Description
The BD Vacutainer® Urine Transfer Straw Kit (364953) is a specialized integrated system designed for the safe, efficient, and sterile transfer of urine specimens. This kit includes a transfer straw and a 4.0 mL plastic tube containing a preservative blend suitable for Culture and Sensitivity (C&S) testing. The system acts as a closed unit, minimizing healthcare worker exposure to specimens and reducing contamination risks.
Identification
Product Identifier: Vacutainer® Urine Transfer Straw Kit
Product Code: 364953
Brand: BD Vacutainer®
Manufacturer: Becton Dickinson (BD)
Tube Draw Volume: 4.0 mL
Tube Dimensions: 13 x 75 mm
Closure Color: Gray (Conventional Stopper)
Material: Plastic
Additive: Preservative (Boric Acid, Sodium Formate, Sodium Borate)
Sterility: Sterile
Key Benefits
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Enhanced safety: The transfer straw eliminates the need for pouring urine, significantly reducing the risk of spills and exposure to the specimen.
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Sample integrity: The C&S preservative maintains the viability of the bacterial sample for up to 48 hours at room temperature, ensuring accurate diagnostic results.
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Efficiency: Streamlines the urine collection and transfer process, saving time in busy clinical environments.
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Compatibility: Designed to be compatible with standard urinalysis instruments and procedures.
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Mercury-free: Preservative formulation is free from mercury, aligning with safety standards.
Applications
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Urine culture and sensitivity (C&S): Primary use for collecting and preserving urine samples for microbiological analysis.
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Urinalysis: Can be used for general urinalysis where sample preservation is required.
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Clinical diagnostics: Essential for hospitals, clinics, and laboratories performing routine urine testing.
Usage Guidelines
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Preparation: Ensure the urine cup is filled to the appropriate level.
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Transfer: Place the transfer straw tip into the urine specimen. Push the vacutainer tube into the holder end of the straw.
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Filling: The vacuum will automatically draw the correct volume of urine into the tube.
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Mixing: Invert the tube 8–10 times to ensure the preservative mixes thoroughly with the urine.
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Disposal: Dispose of the transfer straw and urine cup in biohazard waste containers.
Certifications, Safety Standards, and Regulatory Approvals
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Sterile: Manufactured under sterile conditions.
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Caution: Handle all biological specimens as if capable of transmitting infection.
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Latex statement: Please verify specific latex content on packaging (typically latex-free components).
Comparison with Competitor Products
The BD Vacutainer® system is the industry standard for blood and specimen collection. Unlike generic transfer devices, the BD straw provides a reliable vacuum seal and consistent draw volume, ensuring the exact ratio of urine to preservative is achieved every time for optimal sample stability.
Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios
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Nurses and phlebotomists: Collecting samples in hospitals or clinics.
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Medical technologists: Processing samples in the laboratory.
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Urgent care centers: For rapid and safe sample preparation before transport to a lab.
Best Practices for Use and Maintenance
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Storage: Store tubes at room temperature (4–25°C). Avoid extreme heat.
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Order of draw: If collecting multiple tubes, follow the facility's specific order of draw protocols for urine.
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Labeling: Always label the tube immediately after collection with patient identifiers.