Please read all instructions carefully before commencing urine collection.
Ensure that the 24-hour container is labelled with all the following details:- Patient’s name, hospital/ward, MRN (hospital No.), test required, date and time of urine start and finish collection period. This information is required even when there is an accompanying EPR label. It is very important to collect ALL the urine that is passed over an exact 24-hour period. Loss of any urine, or a collection made for more or less than the appropriate length of time will invalidate the test and might lead to an incorrect diagnosis.
If the container has a WARNING LABEL or indicates that it contains ACID as a preservative extreme care needs to be exercised when adding urine to it from the collection vessel/jug. The acid is 50% Hydrochloric acid and is dangerous to eyes, skin and respiratory system. It is capable of causing severe burns. If the acid should come in contact with skin or eyes wash immediately with plenty of water and, if necessary, seek medical advice. Acid preservative is not to be taken internally and will cause severe irritation and damage.
KEEP THE CONTAINER OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
DO NOT URINATE DIRECTLY INTO THE 24-HOUR CONTAINER IF IT CONTAINS ACID. Urinate into a suitable clean detergent-free jug/vessel and pour slowly and carefully into the 24-hour container
Collection method.
1. Empty bladder at 8am on rising or at a more convenient time and DISCARD this urine. Only after this urine has been passed is the collection started. Write this starting time on the container.
2. Collect all urine in the container provided on EVERY occasion that it is passed during the next 24 hours. Store in a cool dark place - a refrigerator if possible.
3. Empty bladder at 8am on rising the next morning or at the more convenient time chosen and ADD this to the collection. Write this finishing time on the container
Ensure the cap is closed securely and the container is kept upright at all times.
This completes the 24-hour collection. Transport to the laboratory as soon as possible along with the completed test request form.
If, accidentally, some sample is lost e.g. down the toilet proceed as follows. ACID container – Do Not Discard. Return it to the laboratory and obtain a replacement container as the collection has to be restarted using a new acid container.
For any further information please contact the following, Biochemistry Department, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin 8, Phone:- 01-4162066/ 4162017 (within the hours of 09.30-17.00 Monday to Friday).
WI-BIO-0030
Edition 05