Introduction
You have been asked by your doctor to collect a 24-hour urine sample to help diagnosis or treat your underlying condition. These instructions tell you how to undertake this.
For further details please see www.labtestsonline.org.uk which is written by practising laboratory doctors and scientists to help you understand the many clinical laboratory tests that are used in diagnosis and treatment. The results for your test will be sent to your requesting doctor when complete.
Instructions
- You have been provided with a plastic jug and a plastic container.
Please note: The plastic container contains strong acid which is required by us to preserve your sample. DO NOT DISCARD. If you spill any wash the area immediately with lots of cold water. Keep out of reach of children.
- If you spill any acid on your skin, or any body parts, wash immediately with plenty of water. Seek medical advice if in doubt.
- The jug must be used to collect any urine that you pass during the 24-hour period, and immediately poured (try not to spill any) into the plastic container. To avoid skin contact with acid preservative, do not under any circumstances, pass urine directly into the container.
- You must collect all urine that you pass over a full 24-hour period. If you forget, and go to the toilet as normal, please let us know and we can provide another container. It is vital that all the urine you pass during this period is placed in the container.
- If for any reason you miss collecting or spill any urine during this period, the test will need repeating – if this happens please contact the laboratory (below) or your GP.
- Store the container in a cool place during the collection period (refrigeration not needed).
- The collection must be timed accurately as follows:
- At the start of the 24-hour period (at any time that suits you), go to the toilet to empty your bladder completely – you do not need to collect any of this urine.
- Collect all further urine passed over the 24-hour period into the jug, which must then be immediately poured into the container.
- At the end of the 24-hour period (exactly 24 hours after you started collecting), go to the toilet and empty your bladder – this time collecting any urine passed. Pour the urine into the container.
- The test is now complete. Please ensure the lid is fully tightened then return it, together with the Pathology Request Form to the laboratory as soon as possible after completion of the test. Please also make sure it is labelled with your name, date of birth, NHS number and the time and date of the urine collection.
- Please dispose of the jug upon completion of the test.
Benefits
The benefit of doing the test is that it will provide your doctor with important results which will help with diagnosis and / or treatment.
Risks
The plastic container contains strong acid. If you spill any, wash the area immediately with lots of cold water. Seek medical advice if in doubt. Follow the usual hygiene procedures and wash your hands after providing the sample(s).
Alternatives
There are no alternative tests that could be used to the one that you have been asked to undertake.
Contact details for further information
If you have any queries, please ring your local laboratory:
Goole Tel. 03033 304025 Reception 0830-1600 (Mon-Fri)
Grimsby Tel. 03033 302677 Reception 0800-1700 (Mon-Fri)
Scunthorpe Tel. 03033 302641 Reception 0800-1700 (Mon-Fri)
Louth Tel. 01507 600100 Ext 1253 Reception 0830-1630 (Mon-Fri)
Any comments, compliments, concerns or complaints
If you have any other concerns please talk to your nurse, therapist or doctor. Our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is available on 03033 306518 (Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Goole). You can also contact [email protected]
As a Trust we value equality of access to our information and services, therefore alternative formats are available on request at [email protected]
Review information
Date of issue: May 2024
Review period: May 2027
