Specimen Handling

• Urine specimens should be brought to the laboratory immediately after collection or placed in a refrigerator to prevent specimen deterioration and altered test results.
• Label the container with your last name, first name, date of birth, ordering physician, date and time of collection.
• Bring an order from your physician if you have one. You will need to register with admissions in order for us to process your specimen, however, you may bring the specimen to the lab before you register.
• After registration, bring your paperwork to the lab.

Random Urine collection

• Wash hands completely.
• Open container, careful not touch the inside or rim of container.
• Do not allow the cup to touch your clothing or skin.
• Begin urinating into toilet. Void approximately 20-25 ml (1/2 ounce), then catch the middle portion of the stream, removing container from the stream before ending urination.
• Screw the cap tightly on the container.
• Label the container with your last name, first name, date of birth, ordering physician, date and time of collection.
• Place container in specimen bag.

24 Hour Urine Collection

• You will be given a large collection jug. A "toilet hat" may be provided to aid in collection. This 'hat' is placed between the toilet seat and the rim of your toilet.
• The container should be kept cold during collection. You may place the container in an iced - bucket or cooler.
• Label the container with your last name, first name, date of birth, ordering physician.

To start:

• Begin collection in the morning or at a time specified by your physician.
• At the specified time, pass your 1 st urine and flush. Note the exact time.
• Thereafter, collect every single drop of urine during the day and night.
• At exactly 24 hours from the start time, empty your bladder and add to the jug. The collection is now complete.
• There should be no more then 5 to 10 minutes variation between start to stop times.
• Deliver sample to laboratory within 24 hours of collection.
• You will need to register with admissions in order for us to process you specimen, however, you may bring the specimen to the lab before you register.

Colon Cancer Screening (stool cards- Hemoccult/ occult)

Special Diet:

Two days prior to and including the test period, a red meat free, high fiber diet should be followed.

• Meats: only small amounts of well-cooked poultry and fish
• Vegetables: generous amounts of cooked and uncooked vegetables, except as noted below.
• Fruits: Plenty of fruits especially prunes, grapes, plums, apples.
• Cereal: Bran and bran-containing cereals.

Avoid:

• Red rare meat
• Horseradish, cantaloupe, raw turnips, broccoli, cauliflower, red radishes, and parsnip.
• Medications: Do not ingest high doses of aspirin, or other anti-inflammatory drugs, for 7 days prior to and during testing, or vitamin-C preparations containing more than 250mg per day for 2 days prior to and during testing.
• Protect card from heat and light.