3-glass test (without bacteriological investigations)

Please note that self-interpretation of results is not permitted. The information below is provided for informational purposes only.

The three-glass urine test without bacteriology is a laboratory test that evaluates kidney and urinary tract function without testing for bacteria. The test checks urinary parameters such as the presence of blood (hematuria), proteins (proteinuria), epithelial cells, other abnormal elements, and possible crystals or urinary sediment.

Role

• Detects metabolic or inflammatory changes in the urinary tract and kidneys.
• Helps identify the source of urinary changes (urethra, bladder, kidneys/prostate).
• Assists in monitoring chronic kidney diseases, hematuria, or proteinuria.

Indications

• Blood in urine (hematuria) without bacterial infection.
• Proteins in urine (proteinuria).
• Monitoring chronic kidney disease or metabolic urinary tract disorders.
• Assessment of kidney and bladder status before or after medical treatments.

Collection

• Urine is collected in the morning, preferably from the first morning void.
• Do not urinate for 3–5 hours prior to collection.
• Perform thorough hygiene of the external genital area using soap and water, then dry the area.
• Prepare three sterile containers, labeled 1, 2, and 3.

Collection method

1. First container

• Collect the first portion of urine (approximately 20 ml) into container No. 1.
• Represents urine from the urethra.

2. Second container

• Without interrupting urination, collect the midstream urine (approximately 30–50 ml) into container No. 2.
• Represents urine from the urinary bladder.

3. Third container

• Collect the final portion of urine into container No. 3.

After collection

• Close the containers tightly.
• Label them correctly (name, date, time, container 1/2/3).
• Deliver the samples to the laboratory as soon as possible, ideally within 1–2 hours.

Advantages

• Allows identification of the source of urinary changes without bacterial culture.
• Minimally invasive and quick method.
• Can be performed from the first morning urine, providing relevant information for the physician.
   

Sources:

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/463257
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23288214/
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20514158231155046

Important!

It is crucial to remember that the information provided in this section is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience pain or an exacerbation of a condition, it is essential to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. Only a qualified healthcare professional can make an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate course of treatment. To ensure the most accurate and consistent evaluation of test results, it is recommended to have them performed at the same laboratory. Different laboratories may use different methods and units of measurement for similar tests.