Urine Specimen Collection and Testing

Urine Specimen Collection

• Urine specimen collection is a common diagnostic test used to diagnose conditions, such as glucose levels, hormone levels, and drug testing.
• Various methods of collection include random, first morning urine, fasting, clean-catch midstream, catheter, and suprapubic.
• Wear gloves and change gloves between specimens to prevent contamination.
• Perform tests on a flat surface and keep the specimen stable to prevent accidental spilling.

Reagent Strip Method

• Use a reagent strip to analyze urine for specific substances.
• Dip the reagent strip into the urine for the specified time, then remove and analyze.
• Wear gloves when dipping the reagent strip and throughout the duration of the test.
• Use the analysis chart provided to determine the level of substance by matching colors.

Nonblood Specimen Collection

• Saliva specimens are used to test for hormone, alcohol, and drug levels.
• Follow the instructions provided with the kit or check with the facility for proper procedures.
• Label all specimens in front of the patient and bring to the laboratory promptly.

Sputum Specimens

• Sputum specimens are collected from the lungs, trachea, and bronchi.
• Instruct the patient to take a deep breath and expectorate by coughing deeply and spitting the thick matter from their lungs into the specimen container.
• Follow the instructions at the facility for collecting this specimen.
• Confirm patient identification by using at least two patient identifiers.

Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)

• Confirm that the patient is fasting (usually for 12 hr.).
• Perform blood and urine tests at the same time in the order recommended by the facility.
• Collect specimens every 1 or 2 hr. and document the time accurately.

Postprandial Test

• A patient eats a meal, then a urine specimen is collected 2 hr. after.
• This test monitors the effects of a prescribed insulin dosage for patients with diabetes mellitus or is a screening tool for patients without diabetes mellitus.

24-Hour Urine Collection

• Instruct the patient to void and discard the first morning urine specimen, then initiate the collection process.
• Inform the patient of any special handling instructions, such as refrigeration or return time.

Drug Testing

• Perform urine tests to determine what nonprescription drugs a patient has in their system.
• Ensure privacy and accuracy of the results.
• Use a chain of custody form and confirm that it is completely filled out.

Clean-Catch Midstream Collection

• Collect the middle volume of urine.
• Inform the patient to void a small amount of urine into the toilet, then begin the collection.
• Stop collecting urine before the flow is complete by moving the container.
• Clean the genitals with an antiseptic wipe before collection.

Fecal Specimens

• Fecal tests are performed to determine if a patient has a possible bacterial infection, parasites, or occult blood.
• Use a clean container with a lid and label the specimen in front of the patient.
• Follow specific dietary instructions prior to the patient collecting a specimen.

Semen Specimens

• Semen specimens are used to perform sperm counts to assess fertility.
• Introduce yourself and confirm patient identity with at least two patient identifiers.
• Wash hands and don gloves before handling semen specimens.
• Collect into a sterile container and keep the specimen warm and protected from light.

Throat Swab

• A throat swab is a culture specimen usually obtained to test for strep throat.
• Follow the instructions provided with the kit or check with the facility for proper procedures.

Urine Test by Chemical Analysis

• Urine is collected in a sterile container and a reagent strip is dipped into the urine for a specified time.
• The absorbent pads on the reagent strip change colors depending on the level of the substance in the patient's urine.
• Colors are matched to an analysis chart to determine the level of the substance.
• Gloves should be worn during the test, and the used reagent strip should be disposed of in a biohazard bag.

Non-Blood Specimens

• Saliva specimens are used to test for hormone, alcohol, and drug levels.
• Kits with instructions are usually available, but facility procedures should be followed if instructions are lacking.
• All specimens should be labeled in front of the patient and brought to the laboratory promptly.

Sputum Specimens

• Sputum is collected from the lungs, trachea, and bronchi.
• Patients should be instructed to take a deep breath and expectorate by coughing deeply and spitting the thick matter into a specimen container.
• Facility procedures should be followed for collecting sputum specimens.

General Specimen Collection Procedures

• Introduce yourself, confirm patient identity using at least two patient identifiers, wash your hands, and don gloves.
• Use a sterile specimen container and label all specimens in front of the patient.
• Promptly test or transport specimens and dispose of them according to facility guidelines.

Special Urine Tests

Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)

• Confirm that the patient has fasted for 12 hours.
• Blood and urine tests should be performed at the same time, usually every 1 or 2 hours.
• Accurately document the time of collection.

Postprandial Test

• Patient voids, eats a meal, and then a urine specimen is collected 2 hours later.
• Used to monitor effects of insulin dosage in diabetic patients and as a screening tool for non-diabetic patients.

24-Hour Urine Collection

• Patient discards the first morning urine specimen and then initiates the collection process.
• Inform the patient of any special handling instructions and refrigeration requirements.

Drug Testing

• Ensure patient privacy and accuracy of results.
• A chain of custody form may be required, and all handlers of the specimen must sign and date the form.

Clean-Catch Midstream Urine Specimen Collection

• Collect the middle volume of urine after the patient has voided a small amount.
• Use an antiseptic wipe to cleanse the genitals before collection to prevent contamination.
• Avoid using alcohol, peroxide, or iodine as they can harm the patient or damage tissue.