Urine Sample Collection
Urgent Care Clinic Schedule
- The following collection instructions are intended to help you collect the correct specimen for the test your clinician has requested.
- First read the instructions carefully, make sure you are prepared, and then follow each of the steps to ensure proper collection.
- Early morning urine specimens are preferred; although urine collected at other times of the daycare acceptable. A “mid – stream clean catch” urine sample is necessary for a culture so that any bacteria present around the urethra and on the hands do not contaminate the specimen.
- Use an approved empty sterile container for collection.
- Complete the information requested on the container label. Make sure you include:
Your full name
Date of birth
The date and time you collected the specimen. If you have a requisition, note the date and time on the requisition.
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
- Remove the container cap and set it aside. Do not touch inner surfaces of container.
- Wash your urogenital area (“lower parts”) with the towelette provided. Women – wipe from front to back between the folds of skin. Men – retract the foreskin (if un-circumcised), and clean the glans (head of the penis).
The intent is to collect a sample midway through the urination process (hence the name “midstream”urine).
- Pass a small amount of urine into the toilet, (women, hold skin folds apart). This initial stream of urine may be contaminated with skin and urethral bacteria.
- Then midway through urination, urinate into the container. The container should only be 1/2 to 2/3 full.
- Replace the cap and tighten firmly.
- Remember to wash your hands well after collecting the specimen.
- Keep the urine sample refrigerated and submit to the laboratory within 24 hours of collection.