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Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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The glass test is an effective method for detecting pathologies, chronic and acute, in the urinary tract. This method is especially important for determining the exact location of the inflammation site. In urological clinical practice, two methods are used. There is a two-portion glass test, as well as a three-portion glass test. They are also called a two-glass test and, accordingly, a three-glass test. Both methods are applied to one portion of the material - urine.
The purpose of the method is that the glass test is important for diagnostic measures. In urology, especially concerning men, the glass test helps to determine urethritis, tumors, localization and zone of foci in the prostate. If formed elements are found only in the first container, this may indicate a pathology or infection in the ureter or urethral canal. If a large number of impurities (leukocytes and erythrocytes) are detected in two containers, the glass test helps to clarify the "territory" and the exact location of inflammation in the kidneys, in addition to determining the inflammatory zone in the ureter.
If the glass test is performed repeatedly, and the results remain just as alarming, this may indicate an oncological process. When pus and mucous formations appear in the last container, this indicates inflammation in the bladder, a microbial or bacterial infection, and similar mucous discharge indicates inflammation of the prostate gland.
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How does the glass test work?
Before collecting the material, the patient should not urinate for five hours. When collecting a two-glass sample, the patient fills two containers in one urination. The first collects no more than 100 ml of material, the second collects the rest. If a three-glass sample is prescribed, the patient collects urine in one urination in three containers evenly. The three-portion glass test is often accompanied by stimulation of an important male organ - the prostate gland. Massage is performed in this area, and the seminal vesicles are also massaged. Plain urine is collected in the first two containers, but not very intensively, in order to leave material for the third container. After the initial collection, a corresponding light massage is performed, and then the third glass is filled. Actually, the third, last portion is the most informative for research.
The glass test is a serious microbiological method, despite its simplicity. Thanks to this simple procedure, the activity of leukocytes is revealed, and sometimes the reason for the appearance of blood clots in the urine (hematuria).
Two-portion and three-portion glass sample – what is the difference?
Apart from the difference in the number of containers, there are no special differences in these options. The only thing is that a three-glass test is needed to conduct tests together with a prostate massage. In addition, a glass test in three containers allows you to more accurately determine the cause and source of purulent discharge in the urine (pyuria). As a rule, pus and mucus appear after stimulation - massage, and settle in the third glass.
The three-portion glass test, or more precisely the three-glass test, is one of the most effective elements in the comprehensive diagnostics of chronic prostatitis. This test is also called the "gold standard" of clinical diagnostics for such diseases. The glass test is an absolutely painless and effective diagnostic method.
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