Specimen Requirements

Specimen source is required.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Urine, catheterized specimen

Container/Tube: Screw-capped, sterile container

Specimen Volume: 5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Avoid sending urine that has remained stagnant in catheter tubing for any length of time; do not send catheter bag urine; and avoid sending urine from catheters that have been in place longer than 5 to 9 days.
2. Clean catheter with an alcohol sponge, puncture with sterile needle, and collect in sterile syringe.
3. Pour urine into a sterile urine container. Mix well.

4. Label container with patient’s name (first, last, and middle initial), medical record number (if appropriate), date of birth and/or Social Security number, and date and time of collection.

Specimen Type: Urine, clean-catch, midstream specimen

Container/Tube: Screw-capped, sterile container

Specimen Volume: 5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Patient should cleanse with moist towelettes, and then begin to urinate into toilet.

Note: See Urine Collection in Special Instructions for midstream collection instructions.

2. After first few teaspoons, place screw-capped, sterile container under stream of urine and collect rest of urine in container. Even 1/4 cup is an adequate specimen for test.

3. After finishing, tighten cap on container securely and wash any spilled urine from outside of container.

4. Label container with patient’s name (first, last, and middle initial), medical record number (if appropriate), date of birth and/or Social Security number, and date and time of collection.

5. 24-Hour urine collection is not acceptable.

Specimen stability: 24 Hours (R)