MSU in a medical context most commonly stands for Midstream Specimen of Urine.
Here's a breakdown of what that means:
- Midstream: This refers to the method of collecting the urine sample. Instead of collecting all the urine, the patient starts urinating, stops briefly, and then collects the middle portion of the urine stream into a sterile container.
- Specimen: This simply means a sample that is taken for analysis.
- Urine: The liquid waste product produced by the kidneys.
Therefore, a Midstream Specimen of Urine (MSU) is a urine sample collected mid-stream, specifically for laboratory analysis.
Why is a Midstream Specimen Collected?
Collecting a midstream specimen helps to reduce the chance of contamination of the sample with bacteria or cells from the urethra or surrounding skin. This makes the results of the urine test more accurate.
What is an MSU used for?
The most common reason for requesting an MSU is to check for a urinary tract infection (UTI). The urine sample is sent to a lab where it is tested for:
- Bacteria: The presence of bacteria can indicate an infection.
- White blood cells: An elevated white blood cell count can also be a sign of infection.
- Red blood cells: May indicate infection, kidney problems, or other issues.
- Other substances: The sample may also be tested for the presence of glucose, protein, or other substances.
Other possible meanings of MSU in a medical context:
While Midstream Specimen of Urine is the most prevalent meaning, MSU can also stand for other things depending on the specific medical field:
- Michigan State University: Specifically referring to the university's medical programs or research. In this context, it is not an abbreviation for a medical term, but rather an institutional reference.
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit: Referring to a specialized department or clinic focused on treating Multiple Sclerosis.
However, in most general medical contexts, if someone mentions an "MSU," they are most likely referring to a Midstream Specimen of Urine.
