Meares-Stamey test (so-called four-glasses test)

In order to select an appropriate form of treatment for prostatitis, a professional diagnosis, carried out by a urologist, is essential. One of the basic tests with which the diagnosis of chronic inflammatory conditions of the prostate should begin is the Meares-Stamey Test, commonly known as the 'four-glass test'.
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Test of 4 glasses

Prostatitis is a common urological problem among men and can affect men of all ages. It is estimated that up to 35-50% men may experience symptoms of prostatitis during their lifetime.

The most common symptoms of chronic prostatitis include:

  • pain, discomfort in the perineal area,
  • burning in the urethra,
  • frequent urination, urinary urgency, nycturia, weakness of urine stream,
  • pains in the penis, testicles, sometimes the pain can radiate to the sacral area.

Pain and discomfort in the perineum, can occur chronically leading to psychogenic symptoms such as:

  • depressed mood,
  • anxiety or even depression.

Erectile dysfunction can also result from such complaints.

How to prepare for the study:

  • full bladder, preferably drink 1L of water (approx. 2 hours before the examination)
  • without ejaculation 2-3 days
  • without antibiotics for a fortnight

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Test Stameya (podstawowy)650 PLN
Test Stameya + trzykrotny posiew moczu + dwukrotne badanie ogólne moczu750 PLN
Test Stameya + trzykrotny posiew moczu + dwukrotne badanie ogólne moczu + PCR w kierunku chlamydii950 PLN

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In urology, a classification of prostatitis consisting of the following 5 types is used:

  • Type I - Acute bacterial prostatitis
  • Type II - Chronic bacterial prostatitis characterised by recurrent urinary tract infections
  • Type III A - Inflammatory chronic pelvic pain syndrome
  • Type III B - Non-inflammatory chronic pelvic pain syndrome (prostatodynia)
  • Type IV - Asymptomatic prostatitis - found incidentally on histopathology.

In order to select an appropriate form of treatment for prostatitis, a professional diagnosis, carried out by a urologist, is essential. One of the basic tools with which the diagnosis of chronic inflammatory conditions of the prostate should begin is the following Meares-Stamey test of 4 glasses, commonly known as the classic '4 glass test'. A test recommended by the European Society of Urology, but unfortunately neglected in everyday urological practice due to its time-consuming nature.

The Meares Stamey 4 glass test involves performing a urine culture of 4 samples:

  • initial 5-10 ml of urine,
  • central urinary stream,
  • steroidal secretion (collection of material after a steroidal massage, which is performed by the urologist during the examination),
  • 2-3 ml of urine taken from the initial stream (after steroid massage).

The first sample represents the flora of the urethra, the second the bacterial flora of the urine from the bladder, and the third and fourth samples represent the flora of the prostate gland (prostate). This procedure allows the bacterial flora of the urethra and the prostate to be examined.

With diagnosis based on the Meares Stamey 4-Glass Test, the specialist urologist can adequately determine the type of prostatitis and propose an appropriate form of treatment, e.g. antibiotic therapy or STORZ ESWT treatment for prostatitis.

The Meares-Stamey test provides important diagnostic information regarding the presence of bacteria in the urinary tract. It allows the identification and classification of possible infections, such as bladder infections, urethritis or prostatitis. Analysis of urine samples also allows the sensitivity of bacteria to various antibiotics to be determined, which is important in determining appropriate treatment.

The Meares-Stamey test is extremely useful in assessing men's health, especially when a urinary tract infection is suspected. This test allows the bacteria and their source to be accurately identified, which is crucial in determining effective antibiotic therapy. It also allows the doctor to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and assess any complications or recurrence of the infection.

  • The 4-Glass test is painless and non-invasive,
  • The Meares-Stamey test is a very accurate and reliable test,
  • The study is recommended by the European Society of Urology,
  • The Meares-Stamey test is a professional diagnostic tool for selecting the most appropriate form of treatment for prostatitis,
  • The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting.
  • Examination time: Typically, the examination lasts approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on the individual needs of the patient.
  • Preparation for the examination: Adequate genital cleansing is recommended prior to the test. This usually involves washing the intimate area thoroughly before collecting urine samples.
  • Medical examination and consultation: The Meares-Stamey test is performed by a laboratory technician or nurse practitioner, usually under the supervision of a doctor specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections. A medical consultation may also take place during the test to allow the doctor to evaluate the test results and discuss further diagnostic or therapeutic steps.

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