The trials of urine specimen collection when diagnosing a urinary tract infection in the adult female population

Background: The urinary tract consisting of the kidneys, ureters, urethra and bladder is commonly invaded with a urinary tract infection. Frequently caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) and recognized as the offending microbe responsible for a urinary tract infection. The objective of this study was to explore the perspectives relating to the challenges of collecting a midstream urine specimen when diagnosing a urinary tract infection.
Methods: A descriptive-interpretive qualitative research approach was adopted, and thirty female participants enrolled on the study were recruited from a specialist centre for acute and chronic urinary tract infections. Semi-structured interviews were conducted as part of a wider study, and the NVivoTM software was used to organize and group the data into thematic insights.
Results: The experiences of producing a midstream urine specimen were challenging, but despite the trials, it was regarded as the most adequate method that would diagnose the presence of a urinary tract infection.
Conclusions: Exploring the perspectives relating to the challenges of collecting a midstream urine specimen when diagnosing a urinary tract infection was fundamental. The interview data provided diverse perceptions of the trials and challenges encountered during urine specimen collection and the diagnostic process.

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