Examination Overview
Examination of expressed prostatic secretions tests a sample of the
secretion for signs of inflammation or bacterial infection.
While you bend over or lie on your side or back, the doctor inserts
a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and presses each side of the
prostate gland 6 or 7 times. The
urethra is then gently "milked" with a gloved finger.
The secretions are collected in a tube or on a swab.
The secretions are examined under a microscope for signs of
inflammation and are cultured in the lab to determine if bacteria are
present.
Why It Is Done
This test may be done if you have:
Results
Findings of expressed prostatic secretions may include the
following.
Normal
This may also be called a negative result.
Microscopic
Few or no white blood cells are seen when the sample is viewed
under a microscope.
Culture
No bacteria grow in the sample.
A negative culture may indicate the symptoms are caused by
chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome, inflammatory or
non-inflammatory.
Abnormal
This may also be called a positive result.
Microscopic
White blood cells, pus cells, or other types of cells
indicating inflammation are seen when the sample is viewed under the
microscope.
Culture
Bacteria grow in the sample.
What To Think About
Your health professional may ask you to avoid ejaculation for 5
days prior to this test. This allows prostatic fluid to build up and prevents
an increase in the number of white blood cells in the prostate fluid, which
could interfere with test results.
The results of the test may help indicate which type of prostatitis
is causing your symptoms. However, this test often fails to provide conclusive
evidence of the cause of symptoms.
Complete the medical test information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this test.
References
Other Works Consulted
- Nickel JC (2007). Inflammatory conditions of the male
genitourinary tract: Prostatitis and related conditions, orchitis, and
epididymitis. In AJ Wein et al., eds., Campbell-Walsh Urology, 9th ed., vol. 1, pp. 304–329. Philadelphia: Saunders
Elsevier.
- Shoskes DA, et al. (2003). Long-term results of
multimodal therapy for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
Journal of Urology, 169(4): 1406–1410.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology, Oncology |
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| Last Revised | February 5, 2010 |
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