24-hour Urine Collection

 Because proper collection and preservation of 24-hour urine specimens are essential for accurate test results, patients should be carefully instructed in the correct procedure.

 Important Note: For those analyses requiring the addition of 6N HCl, add the acid at the start of collection. Have the patient collect each voiding in a smaller container and carefully pour the urine into the 24-hour container to avoid any possible acid burns to the patient (make sure the patient understands the hazard presented by the acid preservative).

Z24UC

Urine, 24-hour, Collection

 Follow these instructions if someone other than the patient is to collect the urine:

1. Obtain 24-hour collection container from the Laboratory. Specify the test(s) to be performed.
2. Label the collection container with patient identification.
3. Unless the physician indicates otherwise, instruct the patient to maintain the usual amount of liquid intake.
4. During the collection period, place the 24-hour urine container (with appropriate preservatives, if applicable) in a refrigerator or cool place to prevent growth of microorganisms and possible decomposition of urine constituents. (See specimen requirements for the individual tests.)
5. Have the patient empty his/her bladder in the morning into the toilet (not to be included in the 24-hour collection). Write the date and time of voiding on the container label.
6. Collect the patient’s next voiding and add it as soon as possible to the 24-hour container.
7. Add all subsequent voidings to the container as in (6). The last sample collected should be the first specimen voided the following morning at the same time as the previous morning’s first voiding.
8. Record the date and time collection ended on the container label.
9. Ensure the lid is properly tightened to prevent leakage.
10. Deliver the container and appropriate requisition / HIS order to the Laboratory as soon as possible.