Why is it important to collect a fresh sample of urine?

Why is it important to collect a fresh sample of urine?

The sample is required for urinalysis or further investigation, for example; detection of bacteria. For this reason it is important to avoid contamination of the urine sample such as from skin contact. This is called a “clean catch” sample.

How do you collect a urine sample from someone who is incontinent?

If the person is incontinent and wears incontinence pads, a urine collection pack can be used to draw a sample of urine from the pad. These are usually made up of two urine collection pads, a 5ml syringe and a urine specimen container. Contact your GP or local NHS continence service for advice on how to obtain these.

Why should a patient not void directly into a 24-hour urine container but rather collect the sample and then pour it into the 24-hour container?

The 24-hour collection container may contain chemicals (as a preservative) that are hazardous. DO NOT urinate directly into the container.

When collecting a urine specimen you should?

To collect a urine sample you should:

1. label a sterile, screw-top container with your name, date of birth and the date.
2. wash your hands.
3. start to pee and collect a sample of urine “mid-stream” in the container.
4. screw the lid of the container shut.
5. wash your hands thoroughly.

What can you not do on a 24 hour urine collection?

DO NOT EAT the following foods for 72 hours prior to and during the collection period: avocados, bananas, butternuts, cantaloupe, dates, eggplant, grapefruit, hickory nuts, honeydew, kiwi fruit, melons, nuts, pecans, pineapple, plantain, plums, tomatoes, walnuts, or substances containing caffeine or nicotine.

Why does my urine test keep coming back contaminated?

If the urine is not collected in a sterile manner the urine sample may be ‘contaminated’ by bacteria that originate from the skin or genital area, and not from the urinary tract. This is often described by the clinical laboratory as ‘mixed growth bacteria’.

What does it mean if you have bacteria in your urine?

Urinary tract infections are caused by microorganisms — usually bacteria — that enter the urethra and bladder, causing inflammation and infection. Though a UTI most commonly happens in the urethra and bladder, bacteria can also travel up the ureters and infect your kidneys.

What happens to urine when refrigerated?

Refrigeration can result in the precipitation of urates or phosphates, which may obscure other pathologic constituents in the microscopic examination of the urine sediment. According to NCCLS, If the urine is also to be cultured, it should be refrigerated during transit and held refrigerated until cultured.

What happens to urine if left out?

Any bacteria or cells present in a urine sample kept at room-temperature for more than one hour will continue to use glucose (sugar) in the urine. This may result in a falsely decreased urine glucose measurement. Also, bacteria produce ammonia which makes the urine more alkaline (increases pH).

How long does urine last refrigerated?

If you can’t hand your urine sample in within an hour, you should keep it in the fridge at around 4C (39F) for no longer than 24 hours. Put the container of urine in a sealed plastic bag first. If the urine sample isn’t kept in a fridge, the bacteria in it can multiply.

What is a dirty catch urine sample?

First-void (“dirty”) urine: (for STD testing only) To provide accurate, sensitive nucleic acid amplification STD test results, the following urine collection is required for STD testing. 1. Patient must not have urinated for at least one hour prior to STD urine specimen collection.

How long can urine stay fresh for a drug test?

Most drugs of abuse stay in the body for at least a few days after the last use and are traceable with urine tests. Opioids like heroin and oxycodone are detectable for between 1 and 3 days after last use. Stimulants including cocaine, meth, and ADHD medications are detectable for about 2 or 3 days.

How long can I keep a 24 hour urine collection?

All urine, after the first flushed specimen, must be saved, stored, and kept cold. This means keeping it either on ice or in a refrigerator for the next 24 hours.

Do I need to refrigerate my 24-hour urine collection?

If you leave your home or hospital room during your 24-hour collection period, take the urinal or collection hat and labeled container with you. Store the labeled container at room temperature. You don’t have to refrigerate it.

Is it okay if patients use a jar or container from home for urine sample collection?

A clean dry jar or bottle may be used to collect and transfer urine to the container.) 4. ALL urine is needed for accurate testing. If you fill the container, continue the collection into any clean, dry, leak proof container.

What is the recommended procedure for collecting a 24-hour urine sample?

A 24-hour urine sample is needed: On day 1, urinate into the toilet when you get up in the morning. Afterward, collect all urine in a special container for the next 24 hours. On day 2, urinate into the container when you get up in the morning.