A urine specimen for routine bacteriology should be collected in a container that contains:

When collecting a urine specimen for routine bacteriology, it is essential to use a container that is unfixed. This means that the container should be clean and sterile, allowing for the accurate assessment of any microorganisms present in the urine. An unfixed specimen preserves the integrity of the bacterial content, which is crucial for culture and sensitivity testing.

The use of fixatives, such as those found in formalin or similar substances, would alter the composition of the urine and potentially kill bacteria or change their characteristics, leading to unreliable results. Similarly, substances like acetone or alcohol are not appropriate for urine collection, as they can also impact microbial viability and skew diagnostic outcomes. Relying on an unfixed collection method enables accurate isolation and identification of pathogens, which is the primary goal in bacteriurological testing.