Procedure:

1. Label the container with the patient name.
    
2. Collect the entire voiding. (Consult individual test requirements for minimum volume).
   
   
3. Refrigerate urine specimen until transport to the laboratory.
   

24 Hour Urine Collection  View in PDF Format English  Spanish

Normal fluid intake is allowed during the 24-hour urine collection period. Dietary restrictions may apply. (See individual test requirements). Volume must be accurately measured and included on the test requisition. Clearance tests require patient's height and weight for an estimate of body surface.

Procedure:

1. Discard the first morning specimen - Day 1.
   
   
2. Label container with patient name; date; collection time (start and completion times).
   
   
3. Collect all specimens during the remainder of the day and evening. (NOTE: Refrigerate specimens during entire collection period).
   
   
4. Collect the first morning specimen - Day 2.
   
   
5. Stop collection after the first morning specimen.
   
   

Timed Urine Collection(s) (2, 6- or 12- Hours, Etc.)

Procedure:

1. Discard the initial specimen.
   
   
2. Label container with patient name; date; collection time (start and completion times).
   
   
3. Collect all specimens voided within the requested time period. (NOTE: Refrigerate specimen during the entire collection period).
   
   
4. Stop collection at appropriate time.
   
   

Microbiology Urine Culture (Clean Catch Midstream Collection)

Procedure:

1. Obtain a sterile container
   
   
2. Give the following instructions to the patient:

   Female Patients:  Print Instructions

   1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, rinse well, and dry using a paper towel.
      
      
   2. Separate the skin folds around the urinary opening. Wash the opening with the supplied soap pad or towelette. Use a front to back motion; do not scrub back and forth. Repeat with fresh towelette.
      
      
   3. Begin urinating into the toilet, making sure to keep the skin folds apart with the fingers.
      
      
   4. Without stopping the stream, insert the container into the stream. Do not allow the container to touch clothing, legs or genital area.
      
      
   5. Fill about half of the container. Replace the lid, label the container and note the EXACT time of voiding.
      
      

   Male Patients:  Print Instructions

   1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water; rinse well and dry using a paper towel.
      
      
   2. If applicable, pull back the foreskin to completely expose the head of the penis.
      
      
   3. Wash the penis with supplied soap pad or towelette.
      
      
   4. Pass the urine into the toilet. Without stopping the stream, insert the container into the stream. Do not allow the container to touch clothing, legs, or genitals.
      
      
   5. Fill about half of the container. Replace the lid and label the container. Note the EXACT time of the voiding
      
      
   6. Refrigerate the urine within 1 hour of collection. Refrigerated specimens are stable for 24 hours, but must be received in the laboratory within 1 hour of removal from refrigeration.