Common Mistakes To Avoid When Collecting Your Urine Sample

By Author: medguard
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When it comes to detecting diseases, your healthcare professional will ask you to do several tests. One such test that plays a crucial role in diagnosis is a urine test. Also known as urinalysis, this test involves urine sample collection. Once collected, this test can diagnose a wide range of health conditions. 
This includes diabetes, kidney disease, UTIs, liver disease and others. However, without proper urine collection, the result can't be accurate. To help you, here are some common mistakes to avoid for a urinalysis test. 
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Collecting Your Urine Sample
Whether it is your first time collecting urine or the fifth, here are some common mistakes to avoid for your urine sample collection:
 

Not Preparing

 
One of the biggest mistakes people often make is not preparing before collecting a urine sample. You might think collecting urine is a straightforward process, but it isn't so. The very first thing is to be mindful of any medications ...
... or supplications you are taking. If yes, make sure you inform your healthcare provider about it. 
Ask your healthcare professional about the food or drinks you need to avoid before taking the sample. Also, make sure you have a clean and sterile urine container. Follow strict hygiene protocols because if not done, the sample may contain unwanted components, thereby compromising the sample’s purity. Failure to prepare properly can result in sample contamination. 
 

Wrong Collection Technique 

 
When it comes to getting accurate test results, incorrect collection technique is another mistake to avoid. Incorrect urine sample collection can affect the accuracy of your test results. To help you, here are some tips to follow:

 Firstly, wash your hands thoroughly using a sanitiser or soap and water. 

Clean the genital area carefully to prevent bacterial contamination. 
To collect the sample, use a clean and sterile container and use disposable gloves. 
Remember, to collect the sample mid-stream. This means collecting the sample in the middle of the urinating and not at the beginning or the end. 
Make sure to not touch the lid or inside of the container. 
You can also wear gloves for better safety and precaution. 

Insufficient Volume

 
Another common mistake to avoid is collecting an insufficient volume of urine for your test. One must collect at least 30 to 50 ml of urine and not too much as it may dilute the sample. Also, make sure that your container is secure and leak-proof. 
If you are having trouble producing enough urine, try drinking more water before collecting the sample. Apart from inaccurate results, insufficient sample volume can also lead to a repeat sample. Besides, when transporting, make sure you adhere to the guidelines as provided by the healthcare professional.
 

Delayed Transportation

 
Once the urine collection is done, a common mistake people often make is delaying transportation. One must send the sample to the healthcare professional or the lab without any delays. Additionally, make sure you store the sample in a cool, dry place if the transportation is delayed for any reason. You may also ask your healthcare provider if they pick up the urine sample from the doorstep. 
Too much delay may lead to bacterial growth, affecting the sample's quality and test results. Also, keep your sample away from direct sunlight, cold or heat. This will prevent degradation or contamination of your urine sample while also saving you from doing a repeat sample. When sending your sample to the lab, make sure your containers are tightly sealed.
 

Incorrect Labeling 

 
Incorrect labelling of the urine collection is another common mistake to avoid. Failure to label the sample will lead to incorrect identification, which as a result will affect the test results. Make sure you label the sample with your name, birth date and collection date. If you are using 2 containers, make sure you label it differently with the right details. 
You can use a unique identifier or purchase a container with a name label to ensure the sample is properly identified. Before sending it to the lab or healthcare professional, double-check the label. In case of an incorrect or missing label, there will be a higher chance of your sample getting mixed with others or misplaced. 
Get Reliable Medical Results 
At MedGuard, we understand the importance of accurate results. Keeping this in mind, we offer high-quality urine collection containers and other related accessories. For hygiene and more, you can also look into our wide range of gloves and sanitisers. We have everything for all your needs, regardless of the quantity of want. 
Before being delivered to you, every product undergoes rigorous testing. We cater to a wide range of industries including home care, hospitals, clinics, nurses and others. To meet the highest standards of quality, we stock our supplies from the world's best brands. 
Read More: Diseases That Can Be Diagnosed With A Urine Test

Paul Clifford is the Owner & CEO of Medguard. He aims to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure of the country by supplying medical devices and consumable products of top-notch quality.