24 Hour Urine Collection - Patient Instruction

  1. On waking, empty your bladder and DISCARD the urine into the toilet. Note the date and time.
  2. From that time onward, please collect ALL urine into the container provided. For example, if you start at 8 am on Sunday, then finish at 8 am on Monday. Unless otherwise instructed, keep the container refrigerated.
  3. Exactly 24 hours after you started the collection, empty your bladder, this time INTO THE CONTAINER, even if you don't feel you need to go. Note the date and time. Make sure the container is securely closed before delivery to the laboratory.

Points to Note:

  • If you must have a bowel movement, remember to collect the urine FIRST then empty your bowels.
  • Do not become concerned about not filling up the container. The amount will vary with the individual. Do not drink more than usual to try to fill up the container. If, however, you find that you need more than one container, obtain another from the laboratory before the first one is full. If the collection is not complete, it is usually useless.
  • If you make a mistake, discard what you have collected, obtain a new collection container(s) from the laboratory and start the collection process again.