Urine collection is a frequent procedure used to diagnose various health conditions, monitor existing ones, or conduct drug testing. Poor collection technique can compromise the accuracy of laboratory results for a urinalysis, culture, or toxicology screen. This guide offers clear, practical steps tailored specifically for the male anatomy to ensure the specimen is clean and viable for testing.
Essential Steps Before Collection
Preparation begins before entering the collection area to reduce the chance of sample contamination. Avoid excessive fluid intake right before the test, as over-diluting the urine may interfere with analytical results, such as drug screening validity tests. However, avoid dehydration, which could make it difficult to produce the required volume. You may also need to present identification and complete necessary documentation before the collection process begins.
The most important pre-collection step is performing careful hygiene to prevent external bacteria from entering the sample. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the specimen cup. Use the provided antiseptic towelette or wipe to clean the head of the penis, wiping in a single, front-to-back motion. If uncircumcised, retract the foreskin before wiping and keep it retracted throughout the entire collection process.
This “clean catch” preparation minimizes the presence of microorganisms that naturally reside on the skin. These microorganisms could otherwise skew results, particularly for a urine culture. After cleansing, avoid touching the cleaned area or the inside of the collection cup to maintain sterility.
Executing the Midstream Collection
The midstream clean catch technique secures a specimen that accurately reflects the contents of the bladder, free from contaminants near the urethral opening. Start the flow of urine by voiding a small amount directly into the toilet bowl. This initial stream flushes out any bacteria or cells present at the opening of the urethra.
Without stopping the flow, quickly position the sterile collection cup into the stream to catch the middle portion of the void. This midstream sample is the purest section of urine for analysis. Fill the cup until it reaches the volume mark indicated by the attendant or until it is approximately half full.
Once the required volume is collected, remove the cup from the stream and finish voiding the remaining urine into the toilet. Do not touch the rim or the inside of the cup with your fingers or any part of your body during this process to avoid introducing contamination.
Maintaining Sample Volume and Temperature
A sufficient volume is necessary for the laboratory to perform all requested tests and confirmation procedures. While 10 to 15 milliliters may suffice for a standard urinalysis, drug screening often requires a minimum of 30 to 45 milliliters, sometimes up to 60 milliliters. Failure to provide the minimum required volume results in the sample being rejected as insufficient, requiring a second collection.
For toxicology testing, confirming the sample’s temperature ensures the sample is fresh and has not been substituted. A freshly voided urine sample must register within a narrow range of 90°F to 100°F (32°C to 38°C) when checked within four minutes of collection. Most collection cups have a temperature strip affixed for immediate verification by the collector.
A temperature outside this physiological range suggests the urine may have been tampered with or substituted, leading to the specimen being invalidated. Since the sample begins to cool immediately upon leaving the body, hand the specimen over to the collection staff as quickly as possible following the collection.
Securing and Submitting the Specimen
The final steps involve securing the container and initiating the chain of custody process. Immediately after collection, secure the lid onto the cup tightly to prevent leakage during handling. If the outside of the container is damp, wipe it down with a clean paper towel.
The collection staff will ask you to verify the information on the label and may require you to initial the container or a tamper-evident seal in their presence. This labeling procedure identifies the specimen as yours and is part of the chain of custody. The container is then sealed with a tamper-evident strip, often in your view, confirming the sample cannot be opened without breaking the seal.
Hand the sealed specimen directly to the collection attendant, ensuring the transfer is documented on the Custody and Control Form. This systematic handover maintains the legal and medical validity of the specimen as it travels to the laboratory for analysis.