How to provide a urine sample

urine-tests

Almost all urine samples requested by the practice will be for what are known as a “mid-stream” sample.  This means not collecting the first or last part of urine that comes out.  This reduces the risk of the sample being contaminated with bacteria from your hands or the skin around the urethra.

To collect a urine sample you should:

  • label a sterile, screw-top container with your name, date of birth and the date
  • wash your hands
  • start to pee and collect a "mid-stream" sample of urine in the container (unless you have been specifically told otherwise)
  • screw the lid of the container shut
  • wash your hands thoroughly

Follow any other instructions your doctor has given you, for instance to provide a ”first catch” sample, or to provide a first morning specimen or a timed collection.

For more information, please visit this NHS web page or read  this leaflet