cup, urine vacutainer, urine tube with preservative)
Urine
2.0 mL
Transfer: If a transfer straw/port system is used, the collector should push the appropriate (e.g., grey-top or yellow-top) transport tube onto the transfer device and hold until filled. Invert any preservative tubes 8-10 times to mix the sample.
Timing: The specimen should be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible, preferably within 1 hour of collection.
Storage/Transport: If delivery within an hour is not possible, the sample must be immediately refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F) and kept for no longer than 24 hours to prevent bacteria from multiplying and affecting the results. The specimen should not be exposed to high temperatures.
Shipping: If shipping is necessary (e.g., to a reference lab), follow specific kit instructions, often using cold packs and overnight delivery.
REFRIGERATED
Mon-Sat
Next Day
qPCR
Molecular
(RML)
Urine, Bladder Washings/Lavage
Panel
MUAcBa, MUCitX, MUEntB, MUEntC, MUEsCo, MUKlOx, MUKlPn, MUMoMo, MUPrVu, MRPrMi, MRPsAe, MUStSa, MUStAg, MUCanX
Contamination: The primary interference is contamination from the skin, hands, or toilet area. This is avoided by the clean-catch method and not touching the inside of the cup or lid.
Antimicrobials: Collection should ideally occur before the administration of antimicrobial agents, as these can affect the presence and viability of pathogens, potentially leading to false-negative results.
Dilution: Collecting the sample after drinking excessive amounts of water may dilute the urine, potentially lowering the bacterial concentration below detectable limits.
Other substances: Soaps, creams, or wipes used just before collection may affect the test. Vaginal lubricants or speculum gels containing carbomers may also interfere with certain PCR tests.
Blood: Excess blood that turns the specimen red or brown may require the sample to be discarded.
Stool/Toilet Paper: Feces or toilet paper in the sample necessitates restarting the collection process with a new container.
Collector ID: The collector should have proper identification (e.g., an employee badge).
Privacy and Hygiene: Ensure the collection area provides adequate privacy and a means for handwashing is available (preferably external to the collection area).
“”Midstream”” Instructions: Instruct the patient to urinate a small amount into the toilet first, then, without stopping the flow, catch the middle portion of the urine in the container, and finish voiding into the toilet.
Handling: The collector must wear gloves when handling the specimen. After collection, the collector should place the sealed container into a biohazard bag.
Confirmation: Ask the patient if all instructions were followed correctly and if any issues occurred during the collection process.
Gender: Ideally, the collector should be the same gender as the patient.
47525-1
