In both the inpatient and outpatient settings, the laboratory has supplied 24 hour urine containers with preservative such as acetic acid, sodium hydroxide, and boric acid. Upon review of specimen stability requirements, it has been determined that a preservative is not needed prior to collection of most 24 hour urine tests as long as the 24 hour container is kept refrigerated or on ice during the collection period.
For the safety of our patients and staff involved in the collection process, the laboratory will no longer place a preservative in the 24 hour urine container prior to collection unless it is a requirement for that test. Please refer to the Lab Catalog for specimen requirements for 24 hour urine specimens. The Specimen Requirement will state that no additive is needed or the following message will appear for those tests that do not require preservative prior to collection:
If a preservative is required in the container, please complete and submit a Laboratory Supply Requisition, allowing up to 5 days for delivery.
For quick referral, the following tests do not require a preservative prior to collection
- Aldosterone
- Catecholamines
- Chloride
- Cortisol
- Creatinine/ Creatinine Clearance
- Cystinuria profile
- Homovanillic Acid
- 5-HIAA
- Magnesium
- Metanephrines
- Nitrogen
- Oxalate
- Sodium
- Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
Questions may be directed to Laboratory Services using the “Contact Us” link above.
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