The right choice of test material for each clinical situation and correct method of sample collection are an essential part of the preanalytical procedures in medical practices.
A distinction is made between spot urine, first morning urine, second morning urine, midstream urine and urine collection.
Notes on urine sampling
Types of urine specimens
Sampling time
Spot urine
Sampling can be performed at any time.
First morning urine
The specimen is obtained from the morning’s first urine.
Second morning urine
The second morning urine is obtained at least two hours after the first morning urine.
Midstream urine
Midstream urine should preferably be obtained from the first morning urine, otherwise ensure as long a gap as possible since the previous urination.
Urine collection
Urine is collected over a 24-hour period, starting with the second morning urine. After that, collect all urine for 24 hours – also at night – in the urine collection container, including the urination in the morning (first morning urine).
Sampling and transport systems for urine specimens
There are different vessels and containers available for urine sampling and subsequent shipment to the medical practice.
