Urine Collection
Early morning urine specimens yield the highest bacterial counts and most reliable results for urinalysis. Follow procedure below to minimize contamination of the urine by bacteria from the perineal skin, beneath the prepuce, from vaginal secretions, hands or clothing.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and dry them. Urinate 25-30 ml. (about one-eighth of a cup) into a sterile container. Screw the cap securely on container without touching the inside rim. The specimen should be immediately either refrigerated or brought to the laboratory.
For a 24-hour urine or timed urine collection, it is important that a complete and accurate collection be made. Drink less liquid during the collection period than you usually do, unless instructed otherwise by your physician. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages. When collecting, empty your bladder when you get up in the morning. Note time and write this time on the label on the container. Discard this urine. From this point until completion, collect all urine in a clean bottle during the day and night. Make your final collection when you empty your bladder the next morning at the same hour
Keep the collected urine refrigerated, or on wet ice during collection. Bring it to the office or laboratory as soon as possible after the 24-hour collection is complete.
