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Medical Author:

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Dr. Nabili received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. He then completed his graduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His graduate training included a specialized fellowship in public health where his research focused on environmental health and health-care delivery and management.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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The urinalysis test involves the collection of urine sample in a specimen cup. The proper collection of a sample is very important in order to avoid contamination of urine.

The collection technique is different for men and women. Alcohol wipes should be avoided as these may irritate the area.

• For men, the opening of the urethra (tip of the penis) should be wiped clean with a cleansing wipe before collection is begun.
  
  
• In women, the area around the urethra also needs to be wiped clean with a cleansing wipe. The woman then spreads the labia of the external genitalia and wipes from front to back.
  
  
• After the urethra is properly cleaned, the collection may begin by discarding the initial stream of urine into the toilet.
  
  
• Then, 10-15 milliliters (ml) of urine may be collected in the provided sterile specimen cup by directly urinating into the cup.
  
  
• Once an adequate amount is collected, then the remaining urine should be voided in the toilet.

This technique is called the mid-stream clean catch urine sample collection.

Other collection methods may be necessary depending on the specific situation. Frequently, hospitalized patients may have a urinary catheter (Foley catheter) placed in the bladder that directly drains urine from the bladder into a bag. The nursing staff simply collects the urine from the collection bag into the sterile cup. Samples can be collected from babies and toddlers who are not yet toilet trained by attaching a small collection bag with a bandage-type adhesive to the external genital region.

The collected urine sample may be analyzed soon (within 1-2 hours) after collection. If this is not possible, then the sample may be refrigerated.

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