24HOUR URINE SPECIMEN COLLECTION

Nursing Responsibilities
PREPARATION OF THE CLIENT
1. Tell patient that the test requires to collect all urine over 24-hours.
2. Check for ordered diet or medication regimen modifications during the collection period. Notify
appropriate individuals and departments.
3. Obtain a specimen container with preservative (if indicated). Label the container with
identifying data, test, time started, and time of completion.
4. Obtain a clean commode, bedpan, or urine-collection device for the toilet and place it in the
room.
5. Post notices- on the chart, in the Kardex file, on the door, over the bed, and over the toilet-
alerting all personnel to save all urine.
DURING COLLECTION
1. When the collection is to begin, instruct client to completely empty the bladder and discard
this urine.
2. Urinate (and save your urine) before you move your bowels; do not discard any toilet ttissue
in the urine container.
3. Save all urine produced during the 24-hour period in a container, refrigerating it or keeping
it on ice as indicated.
AFTER COLLECTION
1. When the collection period is to end, have the client empty the bladder completely and save
this specimen as part of the total. Take the full specimen with requisition to the lab for
analysis.
2. Chart appropriately.