Swab/Urine Sample Pre-requisites

[curious1971]

Hello,

Planning to do a URETHRAL SWAB test (male) for certain STDs. I read many conflicting articles which said u should not urinate 1 hour/ 2 hour/ 3 hours before the SWAB test for accuracy etc. Also, some said, the SWAB test should be taken before the first urine of the day so that none of the bacteria/other germs get cleaned up during urination.  Should I get a SWAB done first thing in the morning even before first urine? In short, what is the most effective way to give a SWAB sample? Please advise.

Also, if giving a URINE sample for testing STDs, should it be the first urine of the day? I read loads of conflicting info regarding "First Void", "Clean Catch", "Initial Stream", "Middle Stream" etc...No idea what VOID means...But kinda know what others mean...But what is the best way to give a urine sample for STD testing - "First Urine of the Day and Initial Stream"????? Please share your knowledge.

Also, which is best way to test for STDs like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea - Urine or SWAB or are both of them equally accurate? Any help sincerely appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Michaelfire]

I have other post for this exact problem in 2008 but recently I have been reinfected.
Its 2011 and I think that the Lavaquin (6 weeks worth) worked but recently i had unprotected sex with a new partner. I developed symptoms the next day itchy urethra, frequent urination, went to docs, urine test, Negative, (same dam dream here as 2008 with 3 urine test all negative) went to urologist for persistent symptoms. I wanted a swab test! Most places do urine test now and even a place i went to locally switched to urine. I can't understand this with my situation alone and what seems like problems with everyone. The medical community is sending infected people back out to infect others and telling them there test are negative!
I asked for a swab test and because i had insurance they did it and guess what? thats right, positive for Chlamydia!

I have to see what the urologist wants to do now. I am not very hopeful they have any clue what to do.
I recently found a post on this site for a Dr Attila Toth in NY who has a whole new way of dealing with Chlamydia in the prostate but he is far away, he does not accept insurance so it leaves me with coming out of pocket with what could be over $5000 and traveling to NY from Boston or dealing with doctors here that appear to not have a clue.
I'll keep you posted.

[Vance2335]

Never had a swab done but have been told that is it uncomfortable and might have some redness at the tip after. Not sure how long it takes for it to go away.

[curious1971]

Thanks Vance. Also, could you please tell me the side/effects of doing a SWAB? This is my first time and hence donno. Does it pain real bad and what else do I need to expect after a SWAB and for how long? Like Pain for 2 days or so like that.

[Vance2335]

For a urine test or swab it is best to do it 1st thing in the morning before you urinate. At the very least wait 1 hour since last urine, but the longer the better.

For a urine test you will want to catch the urine in the cup right as you start. So nothing goes in the toilet until the cup is filled.

Both tests are equally good as long as you follow the above directions.