Urine Specimen Collection

Routine urinalysis (UA) is one of the most frequently requested laboratory procedures at Main Line Health Laboratories (MLHL) because it can provide a useful indication of body health. It can be performed on a “first morning” or random urine specimen. Various diseases and disorders can be detected through a routine UA.

Below is a summary of urine specimen types, their diagnostic uses and physician instructions.

Random Urine

Description This type of specimen is most convenient to obtain.
Uses Routine urinalysis.
Physician Instructions

Patient may void at any time of the day or night.

  1. Obtain an appropriate specimen container from MLHL.
  2. Collect the specimen in a clean, dry urine container. Appropriate containers include plastic disposable cups or bags (for infants) with a capacity of 50 ml.
  3. Label the container with the patient's full name exactly as it appears on the test requisition.
  4. Ensure the container is tightly closed to prevent leakage during transport.
  5. Transport the container to the laboratory within two hours. If this is not possible, refrigerate the urine.

First Urine of the Morning

Description This urine excretion is the most concentrated.
Uses Protein, nitrite, microscopic analysis and routine urinalysis.
Physician Instructions

Instruct the patient to void before retiring and discard the specimen. On arising, collect and deliver the specimen to your office or an MLHL collection facility. Indicate the specimen is a “first morning” sample.

  1. Obtain an appropriate specimen container from MLHL.
  2. Collect specimen in a clean, dry container (50 ml capacity).
  3. Label container with the patient's full name.
  4. Seal container securely.
  5. Transport within two hours or refrigerate.

Fasting

Description and Uses Used when metabolic abnormalities are suspected and for glucose-level determinations related to diabetes mellitus testing.

Clean-Catch Midstream Urine

Description The specimen is free of contamination.
Uses Routine urinalysis, bacterial culture, and microscopic analysis.
Physician Instructions

Explain that the patient should discard the initial urine stream, collect the midstream portion in a sterile container, and void the remainder into the toilet.

Female Patient:

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Clean perineal area using provided towelettes.
  3. Collect midstream urine without touching jar interior.
  4. Secure cap tightly.

Male Patient:

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Retract foreskin and cleanse area.
  3. Collect midstream urine without touching the jar interior.
  4. Secure cap tightly.

Timed Urine Specimens (2‑hour, 4‑hour, 24‑hour)

Description Allows determination of the excretion rate of analytes.
Uses Creatinine clearance, urobilinogen, hormone studies.
Physician Instructions

For most urine chemistry procedures, a 24-hour urine specimen is preferred. MLHL provides patient instruction sheets for collection.

  1. Discard first void and note start time.
  2. Collect all urine for the next 24 hours.
  3. Refrigerate container during collection.
  4. Add final specimen at end time.
  5. Return specimen promptly to MLHL.

Please refer any questions to the Main Line Health Laboratories Client Service Center during normal business hours at 484‑580‑4200.