Collection of a 24-Hour Urine Specimen

Procedure

1. Check the test requested and whether a preservative is required in the container.
2. Explain the collection carefully to the patient, family and the whole nursing team.
3. Label the container with the patient’s details, the start time and the finish time.
4. At the start time, ask the patient to void and DISCARD that urine — the collection begins with an empty bladder.
5. Collect every subsequent void in the container for the full 24 hours.
6. Ask the patient to void at the exact finish time and add that specimen to the container.
7. Keep the container cool and away from sunlight throughout, and place a sign above the bed.
8. If any specimen is lost, discard the whole collection and restart — document the reason.
9. Send to the laboratory promptly with the completed form and record the total volume.