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Before Your Tests

Before Your Tests

Tips Regarding Sample Collection


Collection of Urine for Urine Culture

Clean the genital area first. Use clean water for cleansing and do not use soap or disinfectants.

Pass the first portion of urine away and collect the midstream (mid-portion) urine into a sterile urine container provided by the laboratory.

Arrange for the urine sample to be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible.

Hold at refrigerator temperature unless the sample can be delivered to the laboratory no later than 2 hours. Refrigerated samples are to be processed by the laboratory no later than 18 hours of collection.


Collection of 24-hour Urine

Test results for 24-hour urine analysis are based on the total volume in a 24-hour period. See below for a good collection regime.

Day 1: Patient is to empty bladder completely at a designated time (e.g. 8am). This specimen is discarded and the date and time are noted.

All subsequent voided urine is collected in a 24-hour urine container (obtainable from the laboratory) throughout the remaining of the day and night within the 24-hours.

Day 2: Patient is to empty bladder at the same designated time on day 2 as noted on day 1 (e.g. 8am). This urine specimen is saved and collected together in the 24-hour urine container.

Stop the urine collection and the clinic will label the 24-hour specimen container with your name, NRIC (or Passport) number, date/time collection begins and date/time collection ends.

Normal fluid intake is encouraged during the 24-hour urine collection period. Dietary restrictions are required for some procedures. Please confirm with the laboratory.

 

Collection of Specimen for Parasites

Stool Specimen

Stool specimens should remain at room temperature after collection in a clean or sterile container. When the specimen is to be examined for amoebae, arrange for it to be sent to the laboratory immediately. Avoid contamination with water or urine.


Screening of parasites e.g. Malaria, Filaria, etc in blood and stool specimen

Examination of multiple specimens, e.g. 3 specimens, for the same patient during a period of 1 week may be necessary to coincide with the varying cyclical production of the diagnostic stages of the causative organism. Please indicate clearly the specimen number collected (e.g. specimen 1, specimen 2) and the date of specimen collection on the container and request form.