Procedure

COLLECTION OF A RANDOM URINE SPECIMEN

Prepared by

Date Adopted

Supersedes Procedure

Review Date

Revision Date

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Pathology Department	1
Nursing Units	13

PRECAUTION: WHILE PERFORMING THIS PROCEDURE, THE FOLLOWING

SAFETY MEASURES MUST BE TAKEN: GLOVES MUST BE WORN; SMOKING, EATING, DRINKING, APPLICATION OF COSMETICS, AND MANIPULATION OF CONTACT LENSES ARE PROHIBITED IN ALL TECHNICAL WORK AREAS. REFER TO THE UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS POLICIES.

I. Purpose

To successfully collect and give instructions on how to successfully collect a random urine specimen for bedside testing. A freshly voided urine specimen is adequate for most urinalysis.

II. Supplies

Labeled collection container

Urine specimen collection bag (for infants and young children)

III. Specimen Handling

If not testing immediately, urine should be kept cool at all times in a refrigerator. If the specimen is to be transported, the container should have a secure closure to prevent leakage of the contents.

IV. Collection of Specimen

The patient should void directly into a clean, dry container or into a clean, dry bedpan and then transfer the specimen directly into an appropriate container. Specimens from infants and young children can be collected in a disposable collection bags consisting of a plastic bag with an adhesive backing around the opening to fasten it to the child so that he/she voids directly into the bag.

If collecting from an infant or small child:

1. Separate the child’s legs

2. Be sure the pubic and perineal areas are clean, dry, and free of mucus. Do not apply powders, oils, or lotions to the skin.

3. Remove the protective paper, exposing the hypoallergenic skin adhesive attached to the bag.

§ For girls, stretch the perineum to remove skin folds. Press the adhesive firmly to the skin all around the vagina. Be sure to start at the bridge of the skin, separate the rectum from the vagina, and work forward.

§ For boys, fit the bag over the penis and press the flaps firmly to the perineum.

§ Make sure the entire adhesive coating is firmly attached to the skin with no puckering of the adhesive.

4. Check the container periodically.

5. Retrieve the collected specimen from the patient and without further contamination, pour or decant the specimen into an appropriately labeled collection cup.

V. Labeling of Specimen

The label on the collection bottle should include the patient’s name and MR# or date of birth.

VI. References

Urinalysis and Collection, Transportation, and Preservation of Urine specimens; Approved Guidelines, NCCLS GP16-A, Vol.15 No.15, December 1996.