Urine Sample Collection Instructions:
Routine, Culture, and 24-Hour Collection

Collecting a urine sample in the correct way is the essential condition for ensuring the accuracy of the results and avoiding sample contamination.

Routine Urinalysis

• It is preferred to collect the first morning sample, as the urine is concentrated, which helps detect any disease indicators.
• Make sure to collect the mid-stream portion of the urine (ignore the beginning and end).
• The sample must reach the lab within 2 hours of collection.

Urine Culture

• Avoid antibiotics for 48 hours before the test (unless otherwise advised by your doctor).
• Collection steps (to avoid contamination):
  1. Wash hands and genital area thoroughly with soap and water.
  2. Clean the urethral opening with soap and water (or a disinfectant provided by the lab), then rinse with water only to remove any traces of soap or disinfectant.
  3. Void the first part of urine into the toilet.
  4. Collect the mid-stream portion in the sterile container provided by the lab.
  5. Void the last part of urine into the toilet.
• If bringing the sample from home, it must reach the lab within 2 hours at most.

24-Hour Urine Collection

• A special container is provided by the lab (may contain preservatives).
• Collection steps:
  1. In the morning (e.g., 8:00 AM), empty the bladder completely into the toilet (discard this sample) and record the time.
  2. Then, collect all subsequent urine in the provided container for a full 24 hours.
  3. The next day, at the same recorded time (e.g., 8:00 AM), urinate into the container for the last time (even if you do not feel the need).
• The container must be kept refrigerated throughout the collection period until delivered to the lab.

Specialized Urine Tests

• Urine Pregnancy Test:
  • Preferably collect the first morning urine for higher concentration.
  • It is recommended to reduce fluid intake the night before the test.
• Urine Sample for Tuberculosis (TB):
  • Collect morning urine samples for 3 consecutive days (each sample in a separate container).
  • Samples can be stored in the refrigerator until all are collected.

Urine tests are used to assess kidney and urinary tract function and to diagnose infections and metabolic disorders.