The Meares-Stamey Testing is addressed to men with possible prostatitis.
More Information
In 1968 two urologists, Meares and Stamey published a paper on a test to diagnose prostatitis by taking consecutive urine samples in four glass containers. The test was originally called the "4 glasses test". In those days doctors collected urine for examination in sterile glass containers (glasses). Today, of course, sterile disposable plastic containers (urine collectors) are used for the examination, which now bears their name. (Meares EM and Stamey TA. Bacteriologic localization patterns in bacterial prostatitis and urethritis. Invest Urol, 1968, Mar 5 (5): 492-518)
According to this method, patients are asked to urinate the first 10 ml of urine in a sterile urine collector. They are then asked to urinate 10 ml of midstream urine into a second sterile urine collector. Their prostate is then massaged by a urologist and the prostate secretions are collected in a third sterile urine collector. Finally, another 10 ml of urine (after prostate massage) is collected in a fourth sterile urine collector to complete the sampling.
These samples are called:
- VB1 - Voided Bladder 1, which represents the microbiological condition of the urethra
- VB2 - Voided Bladder 2, which represents the microbiological condition of the bladder
- EPS - Expressed Prostatic Secretions, which represents the microbiological status of the prostate
- VB3 - Voided Bladder 3, which also represents the microbiological status of the prostate.
The 4 samples are cultured and depending on which sample more bacteria grow, the conclusion is drawn about the source of the possible infection, either in the urethra, or in the bladder, or in the prostate.
In addition, depending on the clinical picture, they can be performed, either by conventional microbiological cultures or by molecular tests (PCR), analyzes for specific microbes, viruses, mycobacteria, etc.
Important Note
The results of laboratory tests are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. The correct interpretation of laboratory results allows the doctor to distinguish "health" from "disease".
The results of laboratory tests should not be interpreted as the numerical result of an individual analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to individual and family history, clinical findings and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your GP can explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer your every question regarding the examinations you do in our laboratory and we contact your doctor in order to have the best possible medical care.
