(2) Instruct the patient to void a small amount of urine into the toilet to rinse
out the urethra, void the midstream urine into the specimen cup, and the last of the
stream into the toilet. The midstream urine is considered to be bladder and kidney
washings; the portion that the physician wants tested.
(3) Complete the laboratory request form, label the specimen container with
patient identifying information, and send to the lab immediately. A delay in examining
the specimen may cause a false result when bacterial determinations are to be made.
(4)
Wash your hands and instruct the patient to do likewise.
(5) Record that the specimen was collected. Note any difficulties the patient
had or if the urine had an abnormal appearance.
2-14. 24-HOUR URINE SPECIMEN
A 24-hour urine collection always begins with an empty bladder so that the urine
collected is not "left over" from previous hours. This specimen shows the total amounts
of wastes the kidneys are eliminating and the amount of each.
a. Supplies and Equipment.
(1)
Large, clean bottle with cap or stopper.
(2)
Measuring graduate.
(3)
Bedpan or urinal.
(4)
Refrigerated storage area.
(5)
Gloves.
b. Procedure.
(1) Label the bottle with patient identifying information, the date, and time
the collection begins and ends.
(2) Instruct the patient to void all urine into a bedpan or urinal. Measure
each specimen of urine voided and pour into the refrigerated bottle. Wash your hands
before and after each collection. Record each amount on the intake and output (I&O)
sheet.
(3) Exactly 24-hours after beginning the collection, ask the patient to void.
This will complete the specimen collection.
(4)
Send the bottle and laboratory request form to the lab.
MD0906
2-7