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 initially 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)
This method asks patients 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. A urologist then massages the prostate, and the prostate secretions are collected in a third sterile urine collector. Finally, another 10 ml of urine (after the 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 four samples are cultured, and depending on which sample more bacteria grow, the conclusion about the source of the possible infection, either in the urethra, bladder, or prostate, is determined.
In addition, depending on the clinical picture, they can be performed using conventional microbiological cultures or molecular tests (PCR), analyzing specific microbes, viruses, mycobacteria, etc.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most critical parameter for diagnosing and monitoring all pathological conditions. Between 70 to 80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correctly interpreting laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased."
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be analyzed based on each case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon, we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and contact your doctor to ensure you receive the best possible medical care.
