General information:

Microbiological Examination of Urethral Discharge – Precise Diagnosis of Urogenital Infections

The microbiological examination of urethral discharge is a key method for diagnosing bacterial, fungal, and sexually transmitted infections in both men and women. It is especially important in cases of burning during urination, pain, redness, urethral discharge, discomfort, or recurrent urogenital symptoms.

SMDL Laborexpress uses state‑of‑the‑art technologies for accurate pathogen identification, including culture methods, MALDI‑TOF mass spectrometry, digital antibiogram reading with BIOMIC, automated antibiotic susceptibility testing with Vitek 2, and PCR diagnostics for hard‑to‑detect pathogens.

What the Microbiological Examination of Urethral Discharge Detects

The test allows detection of:

• bacterial infections

• fungal pathogens

• inflammatory processes

• sexually transmitted pathogens

It is recommended in cases of:

• burning or pain during urination

• urethral discharge

• redness or irritation

• recurrent infections

• suspected STI

• a partner with a confirmed infection

1. Culture Examination and Microscopy

The first step includes microscopic evaluation and inoculation on selective media. This allows:

• detection of bacterial growth

• identification of fungal elements

• assessment of inflammatory cells

This is the initial stage in determining the causative agent.

2. Identification with MALDI‑TOF Mass Spectrometry

After isolating the microorganism, identification is performed using MALDI‑TOF, the most advanced technology in modern microbiology.

Advantages of MALDI‑TOF:

• extremely high accuracy

• results within minutes

• reliable identification of difficult‑to‑determine bacteria and fungi

• minimal risk of error

This ensures fast and precise diagnostics, especially in mixed or atypical infections.

3. Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing – BIOMIC and Vitek 2

To determine the most effective treatment, antibiotic sensitivity testing is performed.

BIOMIC – Digital Reading of Antibiograms

• automated measurement of inhibition zones

• elimination of subjective interpretation

• high reproducibility

• visual documentation of results

Vitek 2 – Fully Automated System (optional upon patient request)

• rapid determination of MIC

• standardized testing conditions

• internationally recognized methodology

• high accuracy for difficult‑to‑treat pathogens

Included PCR Testing for Chlamydia trachomatis and Its Clinical Importance

Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common sexually transmitted pathogens and a leading cause of urethritis. Because Chlamydia cannot be detected through standard culture methods, PCR is the gold standard for diagnosis.

Why PCR for Chlamydia is essential

• Extremely high sensitivity and specificity

• Detects infection even in asymptomatic cases (which may represent up to 70% of infections)

• Prevents complications such as chronic urethritis, prostatitis, epididymitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and fertility issues

• Important for partner management and preventing reinfection

• Reliable in cases of persistent symptoms with negative culture results

PCR testing is strongly recommended when Chlamydia infection is suspected or when symptoms persist without a clear cause.

Optional PCR Diagnostics – For Pathogens Not Detectable by Standard Culture Methods

Some microorganisms cannot be detected through routine culturing and require molecular (PCR) testing. These include:

• Chlamydia trachomatis (included in this panel)

• Mycoplasma genitalium

• Ureaplasma spp.

• Trichomonas vaginalis

• other STI pathogens

• HPV – recommended in cases of suspected viral infection, recurrent symptoms, or a partner with HPV

Sample Collection Instructions

For reliable results, it is important to follow these guidelines:

• Do not urinate for 2–3 hours before sample collection

• Avoid local medications for at least 48–72 hours beforehand

• Avoid sexual intercourse 24–48 hours before the test

• The sample must be collected by a medical professional using a sterile swab