Collection of 24 hour Urine Specimens

Department of Clinical Biochemistry

Information for parents and carers

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Collection of 24 hour Urine Specimens – PIAG 217 (100kB pdf)

Introduction

The test which has been requested on your child requires us to analyse a sample of urine which has been collected over a timed period (usually 24 hours).

What is a 24 hour urine collection?

This can be difficult and inconvenient, but in order to make the results of the test as reliable as possible, it is important that as little urine as possible is lost, and that we know the time period over which the urine has been collected (even though this may not be the exact 24 hours). Please read the instructions below before starting the collection.

How to take a good 24 hour urine collection at home:

1. Only bottles provided by the hospital should be used to collect the urine.
2. Ensure that the bottle provided is labelled with your child’s name, date of birth and
   hospital number.
3. On getting up in the morning, your child should pass urine into the toilet. Do NOT add this urine to the container. Write down the time and date on the label on the bottle (e.g. 18th Nov 2019 7.30 am).
4. All urine passed after this time during the day and the following night should be poured into the bottle. A jug or other suitable clean container should be used to collect the urine. This urine should immediately be poured into the bottle provided.
5. Next morning your child should pass urine at the time recorded on the bottle. This urine should be poured into the bottle and not discarded.
6. Arrange transport of the bottle together with the request card to the laboratory.

What should I do if some of the urine passed is not collected into the bottle?

We appreciate that it can be difficult to collect for a full 24 hours, but we would like you to try. Please let us know if some urine is lost (and if possible, approximately how much) so that we can try to assess what will be the effect on the test results. We can then pass on this information so that your doctor is less likely to be misled by the results.

Who should I contact if I need more advice?

• If you want to know test results or what the results of the test mean, please contact your doctor.
• If you need further advice about the urine collection, contact the staff in the Biochemistry department on 0151 252 5488.

This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment

This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.

PIAG: 217