- Collect urine container with/ without preservative based on the test needed.
- Do not discard the preservative in the container.
- Follow the dietary restrictions (as explained) for 48 hours prior to collection (if required) as some dietary constituents may interfere with the analysis of 24-hour urine specimens.
- Collect each void in a small container and carefully pour the urine into the 24-hours container to avoid any possible acid burns.
- On the day of collection, have the patient empty his/her bladder of first morning urine into the toilet (not to be included in the 24-hours collection). Write the date and time of voiding on the container label (e.g., 08:00 hours on 18th May 2025).
- Collect the patient’s next voiding and add it as soon as possible to the 24-hours container.
- Add all subsequent voiding (as soon as possible after voiding) to the 24-hours container. The last sample collected should be the first specimen voided the following morning.
- Keep the containers away from the reach of children. Urine samples shall be collected under the guidance of patients in case of children.
- Mix the contents of the container gently but thoroughly.
- Measure and note the total volume of urine (unless otherwise specified) on the specimen container and the test request form. Transfer, label, and keep the required aliquot of urine. For creatinine clearance tests, record the patient’s height, weight, and total 24-hrs urine volume on the test request form and urine container.
- Submit the entire contents of the container to the laboratory within 1 hour.
