When I've had this done, I was told to refrigerate it as it is collected. I then took it to the lab when the collection was complete. An ice chest should be adequate, but if you want to wait more than a day to take it to the lab, call and ask if it's OK. How long you can wait may depend on what the test is for. If it's "casts," it may not matter.
Yes if its for UTI they like the sample to be within 24-48 hours must be refridgerated. Did they give you materials such as container and wipes to get a clean catch. The container must be sterile.
My Aunt's doc told me to get the sterile bottles from her, as well as the wipes. She also said for me not to refrigerate. She said not to collect tonight and wait to bring in tomorrow. Collect today and bring in today. No refrigeration. So maybe it depends on the doctor or lab???? The last time I took a sample in the nurse told me I would no longer be able to just bring in a sample, that I would have to bring my Aunt in. But when I questioned the doctor, she said Medicare/ Insurance was beginning to require this from them. But because my Aunt is 96 and bringing her in every time I think she has a UTI is crazy, that I should get her pulse rate, oxygen level and temp at the time I get the specimen and give them all that info. Hope this helps.
Does the box provided have instructions? If not, ask pharmacy.
If they are looking for a COLOR, I would place the test strip with urine on it - on a white background - take the best picture possible, or several, and ask -whomever is needing to see the strip, if this is acceptable.
I don't know what to suggest otherwise.
Please tell us what worked, so that we all can learn.
I have done my mothers a hundred times over the years. Get the supplies from the doc or lab. They will give you the following: a sterile container, two wipes in sealed packets a bag to put container in, instructions and they may not offer but make sure to ask for the hat, they will know what you mean. Its a plastic bowl shaped like a half moon. You put it in toilet to catch urine so you dont have to try and catch in cup. Remember ask for the HAT it will make it so much easier. We were always told if it was more than a couple hours refrigerate sample. You can check with the lab to verify what they want. The drug store strips will not test for all strains of bacteria so i wouldnt trust them myself. Hope this helps.
Why can't she pee in a cup at the lab? What is the reason for the urinalysis? Most doctors want a "sterile" catch (meaning wiping with a sterile cloth, urinating a little, then urinating into the cup). Refrigeration might kill any bacteria in the urine and I am sure the doctor wants a fresh sample.
I guess you havent done this much with an older person who can barely stand little lone pee in a cup. Even when my mom stayed in the hospital they used a hat in the toilet to catch the urine. Sure for those of us a bit younger its not to hard but believe me my mother is 90 cant stand to bear her own weight peeing in a cup would never happen. Refrigeration preserves the sample as to much heat will not give a proper reading.
If its longer than an hour till you turn it in refrigerate it. If not refrigerated the bacteria may begin multiplying and thus throw off the results. The site i was on fo verify this said should turn in within 24 hours unless instructed otherwise.
ferris1: A clean catch means wiping front to back...that is critical, else it will be contaminated. That said, a lot of elders don't have the strength to wipe themselves properly after a bowel episode/go. My late mother really had a bad odor about her because of not wiping well. Then she wouldn't flush the Cottonelle butt wipes that I got her so they ended up in the trash can! Really stunk!
I understand about the flushable wipes and the clean catch. What was I thinking? My husband puts his one square toilet paper in the wastebasket and it smells, but I come in and flush them. The one square idea came from his mother when they had little money back in the 1930s I'm sure, so I just wipe him myself with the Cottonelle. He also has a habit of putting his socks in the wastebasket and I don't understand, but then I'm not the one with dementia. We caregivers will see everything strange as our loved one continues their journey along the dementia progression. I just go with what he is doing...
I've done it many times, we get a collection dish and put it on the toilet rim, then after she goes, if we are lucky, we put it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours and drop it off the next day. My mother gets UTI's all the time, she wipes the wrong way. Good luck!
Yes Nango that's what's known in the industry as the hat😃 always remember to ask for the hat, makes life so much easier. Ferris you are right there is not much we haven't see or will see on this journey. At least there are others that understand.
ferris1: Yes, I can partially understand about only using one square of toilet paper, but then how does he get himself clean? You then come in and clean him with the Cottonelle. Yes, the Great Depression caused many strange behavior patterns to stick with the elder. My mother used to save tiny slivers of soap? For what? Just buy new bars of soap! Then she had a device to darn socks that she was going to give to one of her 2 granddaughters-my daughter, 43 and my niece, 17. I said "they're both going to look at you like you have three heads!" I told her "in 2016, we just buy new socks and toss the ones with holes in the trash cans." Good grief...hello!
My Mom had to give a urine sample and I told them there was no way she would understand what to do so...they gave me a "hat". You place it on the toilet seat and she goes in it. Then u pour it into the cup. Wish I had known about this before.
Container is placed in ice chest with ice on bottom.
No need to refrigerate, (now, I am talking about a specific test, 24 hr. collection test).
You could / should probably call the lab.............I would do it, refrigerate it, and if you messed up, well...........do what they tell you.
M 8 8
If they are looking for a COLOR, I would place the test strip with urine on it - on a white background - take the best picture possible, or several, and ask -whomever is needing to see the strip, if this is acceptable.
I don't know what to suggest otherwise.
Please tell us what worked, so that we all can learn.
M 8 8
M