Culture, Urine

Specimen Type = Gray Top Urine Tube

Specimen Type

Test ID LAB239
EPIC Order URINE CULTURE
CPT Code 87086
Group/Individual Test Individual
Laboratory Clinical Microbiology: 984-974-1805
Tube Station 82
Specimen Routine:

Minimum volume:  3 mL Gray Tube

NOTE: if Minimum volume cannot be obtained for tube, send specimen in original collection cup.

Specify clean-catch; catheter; acute dysuria; pre-/post-prostatic massage; suprapubic tap. Bagged urine is not suitable for culture. See Comments 
Availability Routine: 24 hours/7 days; Gram stain by request only
STAT: N/A
Turnaround Time

24-48 hrs 

NOTE: Turn-around time may be >48 hrs. if significant growth occurs.
Reference Range For routine culture: (Lower detectable limit = 1000 cfu/ml)
[Lower detectable limit for Acute dysuria, Suprapubic tap, and Post-prostatic massage specimen types = 100 cfu/ml]
Comments                                     
  • Inpatient/UNC Campus Locations: Deliver within 2 hours of collection. Keep Gray-Top Tube at Room Temperature. If specimen is in original collection cup, store refrigerated.
  • Off Campus/Outreach Locations: Keep Gray-Top Tube at Room Temperature. Specimen stable 48 hours.
  • Bagged urine is not acceptable for culture.

Reviewed by J. Carr on December 05, 2025