What is a 24-hour urine collection?A 24-hour urine collection is a simple lab test that measures what’s in your urine. The test is used to check kidney function. A 24-hour urine collection is done by collecting your urine in a special container over a full 24-hour period. The container must be kept cool until the urine is returned to the lab. Show
Urine is made up of water and dissolved chemicals, such as sodium and potassium. It also contains urea. This is made when protein breaks down. And it contains creatinine, which is formed from muscle breakdown. Normally, urine contains certain amounts of these waste products. It may be a sign of a certain disease or condition if these amounts are not within a normal range. Or if other substances are present. Why might I need a 24-hour urine collection?A 24-hour urine collection helps diagnose kidney problems. It is often done to see how much creatinine clears through the kidneys. It’s also done to measure protein, hormones, minerals, and other chemical compounds. Conditions that can cause kidney disease include:
There may be other reasons for your healthcare provider to advise 24-hour urine collection. What are the risks of a 24-hour urine collection?A 24-hour urine collection is a safe, easy test. People can collect urine on their own. Certain factors may affect the accuracy of a 24-hour urine collection. These include:
There may be other risks depending on your specific health problems. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the collection. How do I get ready for a 24-hour urine collection?
Based on your health condition, your healthcare provider may request other specific preparation. What happens during a 24-hour urine collection?A 24-hour urine collection may be done on an outpatient basis. This means you go home the same day. Or it may be done during a hospital stay. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider's practices. Generally, a 24-hour urine collection follows this process:
What happens after a 24-hour urine collection?There is no special type of care after a 24-hour urine collection. But your healthcare provider may give you other instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation. Next stepsBefore you agree to the test or the procedure make sure you know:
Which of the following are common errors associated with timed urine collections?The most common error is failure to collect the entire urine volume during 24 hours or collecting the excess of sample. For example, creatinine clearance could be falsely decreased if 24-hour urine sample was not completely and properly collected (1).
What are the purpose of collecting timed urine specimen?Why might I need a 24-hour urine collection? A 24-hour urine collection helps diagnose kidney problems. It is often done to see how much creatinine clears through the kidneys. It's also done to measure protein, hormones, minerals, and other chemical compounds.
What happens to urine if not tested within one hour of collection?If you can't hand your urine sample in within 1 hour, you should put the container in a sealed plastic bag then store it in the fridge at around 4C. Do not keep it for longer than 24 hours. The bacteria in the urine sample can multiply if it is not kept in a fridge. If this happens, it could affect the test results.
Why should a patient not void directly into a 24 hour urine container but rather collect the sample and then pour it into the 24 hour container?The 24-hour collection container may contain chemicals (as a preservative) that are hazardous. DO NOT urinate directly into the container.
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