specimen collection and handling

• What type of containers are recommended for urine analysis?


  Disposable, wide-mouthed, and flat-bottom containers with screw caps
• What is the minimum capacity for urine containers used in analysis?


  At least 50 mL capacity
• How much urine sample is actually needed for analysis?


  Only 10-15 mL of sample is needed
• What type of containers are used for pediatric urine collection?


  Adhesive bags (pediatric wee bags)
• What should be worn when working with urine samples?

  Gloves
• What information should be included on a specimen label?

  • Patient’s name
  • ID number
  • Date and time of collection
  • Additional information: age, location, physician
• When should the specimen be delivered to the laboratory to avoid biochemical changes?


  Within 2 hours of collection
• Where should the label be placed on the urine container?


  On the container, not the lid
• What must accompany the specimen to the laboratory?

  • Requisition form
  • Information must match the label
  • Time of receipt is stamped on requisition
  • Other info: type of specimen, interfering medications
• What is the turnaround time for manual urine analysis?


  30 minutes
• What is the turnaround time for automated urine analysis?


  6 minutes
• What is the turnaround time for STAT samples?


  15-20 minutes
• What are the reasons for specimen rejection?


  • Unlabeled containers
  • Non-matching labels and requisitions
  • Contaminated specimens (e.g., feces, paper)
  • Contaminated containers
  • Insufficient quantity
  • Delayed or improper transport (e.g., ice, refrigeration)
• What changes can occur in urine composition?


  Changes can occur in vivo and in vitro
• How soon should a specimen be tested after collection?


  Within 2 hours of collection
• What should be done if testing is delayed?


  Refrigerate the specimen
• What is the main cause of problems in urine specimen integrity?

  Bacterial multiplication
• What are the effects of bacterial multiplication on urine composition?


  • Increased: color, turbidity, pH, bacteria
  • Decreased: glucose, ketone, bilirubin, urobilinogen
• What is the most routinely used method of specimen preservation?


  • Refrigeration (2⁰C to 8⁰C)
  • Decreases bacterial growth and metabolism
• What is the composition of the enzyme enolase used in preservation?


  50% ethanol and 2% carbowax
• What are the types of urine specimens and their purposes?


  • Random/Occasional/Single: Routine and qualitative UA
  • First Morning Urine: Ideal for routine UA and pregnancy test
  • Second Morning/Fasting: For glucose determination
  • 2 Hour-Postprandial: Diabetic screening and monitoring
  • Glucose Tolerance: Optional with blood samples
  • Fractional Specimen: Series of blood and urine samples
  • Midstream clean catch: Routine UA and bacterial culture
  • Catheterized urine: Bacterial culture
  • Suprapubic aspiration: Anaerobic bacterial culture and urine cytology
  • Pediatric specimen: Soft, clear plastic bag with adhesive
  • Three-glass technique: Prostatic infection
  • Timed-Specimen: 24-hour, 12-hour, 4-hour, afternoon for specific determinations
  • Drug Specimen Collection: Chain of Custody (COC)
• What is the purpose of the three-glass technique?


  To diagnose prostatic infection
• What is required for a 24-hour urine specimen?


  Requires preservative
• What is the volume required for drug specimen collection?


  30-45 mL
• What temperature range is required for drug specimen collection?


  32.5°C-37.7°C
• What is a requirement for drug specimen collection regarding the blueing agent?


  Requires a blueing agent (dye)