Urine
4.0 mL
Specification After Draw
Transfer: The urine must be transferred into the appropriate transport tubes immediately after collection, ideally within 10 minutes to 1 hour. The transfer should be done using a sterile straw device provided in the collection kit, ensuring proper mixing of the sample with the preservative in the gray-top tube.
Labeling: Both tubes must be labeled with the patient’s full name, date of birth, the actual date and time of collection, and the source of the specimen.
Storage/Transport:
**Gray-top (preserved): Stable at room temperature for up to 72 hours or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
**Yellow-top/Sterile container (unpreserved): Must be refrigerated immediately if transport to the lab will be delayed beyond 30 minutes to 2 hours. Unpreserved samples are stable refrigerated for approximately 24-48 hours.
Unacceptable Conditions: Frozen specimens or tubes containing tartaric acid are generally unacceptable. Quantity not sufficient for analysis will also result in rejection.
(RML)
Interference
Dilution: High fluid intake, diuretics, alcohol, or caffeine before collection can dilute the urine, potentially leading to false-negative results for leukocytes, nitrites, and bacteria.
Medications/Supplements: Recent or current antibiotic use, high doses of Vitamin C, probiotics, cranberry supplements, or other antimicrobials may affect test results by reducing bacterial levels or interfering with the chemical tests (e.g., Vitamin C can cause false-negative nitrite results).
Contamination: Improper clean-catch technique (e.g., not cleansing properly, touching the inside of the cup, or collecting the first stream of urine) can contaminate the sample with skin/urogenital flora, leading to inaccurate results.
Miscellaneous Instruction to Collector
Collection Method: Always encourage a clean-catch mid-stream (CCMS) sample to minimize external contamination.
Patient Instructions: Provide the patient with clear, step-by-step instructions and towelettes for proper cleansing (front-to-back for females, wiping the glans penis for males, retracting foreskin if applicable).
Timing: A first-morning void is preferred because the urine is more concentrated, increasing the chance of detecting infection indicators. The patient should ideally have retained urine in their bladder for at least 4 hours.
PPE: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, apron) when handling the specimen.
Specimen Source: The source of the specimen (e.g., clean catch, catheter, suprapubic tap) must be indicated on the label/requisition form.
Transfer straw: If using a collection kit with a transfer straw, ensure the correct procedure is followed to fill the tubes and then dispose of the straw in a sharps container.
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