cup, urine vacutainer, urine tube with preservative)
Urine
2.0 mL
Refrigerate the specimen immediately after collection (2-8°C or 36-46°F). This is the preferred storage method.
Stability:
*Refrigerated: 7 days to 1 month (depending on lab specifics).
*Room Temperature (Ambient): 4 hours to 7 days (stability varies, refrigeration is best).
*Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): For longer storage (up to 6 months).
Processing: The urine sample should be transported refrigerated. Some labs require centrifugation and aliquoting of the sample within a few hours of collection.
REFRIGERATED
Sun-Sat
Same day
Dip Stick
Molecular
(RML)
ACR
ALB/CR ratio
Albumin, urine
Albumin-to-creatinine ratio
Albumin/creatinine ratio
Microalbumin, random urine
Microalbumin urine, random
Microalbumin/creatinine ratio
Random urine microalbumin
Random microalbuminuria
Random Microalbuminuria, Urine
Urine albumin
Albumin urine
Interference
Factors and substances that can cause temporary increases in albumin levels (false positives) or interfere with test results include:
*Vigorous exercise within 24 hours prior to the test.
*Fever.
*Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
*Poorly controlled diabetes (acute hyperglycemia).
*High blood pressure (marked hypertension).
*Heart failure or cardiovascular disease.
*Dehydration.
*Menses (menstrual blood in the sample).
*Urinary bleeding.
*Certain medications, such as SGLT-2 inhibitors, which can affect creatinine measurements in some assays.
*Highly dilute urine (very low creatinine levels) may result in an uninterpretable ratio.
Miscellaneous Instruction to Collector
A random urine sample is typically used for the albumin/creatinine ratio screening, with the first morning void being the most reliable.
A clean-catch midstream collection technique is recommended to avoid contamination (vaginal discharge, pubic hair, etc.).
Do not touch the inside of the collection container or the lid with your fingers or genitals.
Ensure the lid is secured tightly to avoid spillage.
For a 24-hour collection (if ordered), specific instructions and a larger container will be provided, and the entire sample must be kept refrigerated throughout the collection period.
No special patient preparation (e.g., fasting) is required.
82044/82570
