1.4e - Collection of 24 Hour Urines or Timed Urines

Testing/Processing
Click here for the list of 24 hour urine tests performed at these BACL Chemistry Labs:
West Roxbury - Contact 857-203-5973
Jamaica Plain - Contact 857-364-5115

All other 24 hour urine testing is sent to a reference laboratory.
BHS Sendout - Contact 857-203-5975
Bedford - 781-687-2603

Collection instructions:
Prior to the actual collection procedure obtain proper preservatives from the lab. These preservatives are for the most part extremely caustic and should never be allowed to come into contact with the patient or be left in a place where they may be exposed to children or disoriented patients.

• The Laboratory Service must be contacted for 24-hour urine specimen requirements. The Laboratory Service will supply the 24-hour urine container with appropriate preservative.
• Whenever multiple tests are required on a 24-hour urinespecimen, the Laboratory will attempt to group as many tests aspossible for one 24-hour collection.
• A number of urinary analytes require special preservatives to assure their complete recovery and proper testing. Prior to beginning the actual collection procedure, the patient or hospital personnel will bring 24 hour urine containers to the laboratory for the addition of preservatives. Preservatives can be extremely caustic and should never be allowed to come in contact with the patient or be exposed to children. The type and amount of preservative added should be clearly marked on each container, a "Biohazard" label affixed and words of caution given to the patient regarding the potential hazards involved.

1. Have the patient empty his bladder and note the time. This is the beginning of the timed period. THIS URINE IS TO BE DISCARDED
2. Save all urine during the timed period and add it to the collection * . Refrigerate container during collection.
3. At the end of the timed period have the patient again empty his bladder and add this specimen to the collection.
4. Unless otherwise instructed, maintain a normal daily intake of fluids.
5. Send to laboratory as soon as the collection is complete along with appropriately labeled requisitions.

*Not all metabolites and excretions are voided evenly throughout the collection period. It is extremely important, therefore, that no specimen be missed. Urines that are sent to the laboratory indicating that a specimen or specimens have been lost will not be accepted, except in unusual circumstances.

24 Hr Urine Collection