How to Prep for 24 Hour Urine Collection

Collecting urine over the course of a full 24-hour day is a procedure used to diagnose kidney disease and to evaluate whether the kidneys are functioning at optimal levels. Urine is made up of water and dissolved chemicals such as urea and creatinine. Measuring the quantities of these substances can help a doctor confirm a diagnosis.



To prepare for this simple procedure you do not need to fast, and no sedation is needed. Get to know beforehand what factors can interfere with the accuracy of the collection process so that you can prevent them and ensure that you don't have to repeat the procedure. These factors include taking certain medications, eating certain foods and failing to keep the urine cold.

Things You'll Need

• 24-hour urine collection container
• Urine pan

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Instructions

• 1

  Speak to your doctor about your specific medical condition and which additional factors may pertain to you and your collection procedure. Make sure you understand everything, and don't be shy to ask for a simple explanation. If you spill urine from the specimen container or forget to collect a sample you can receive incorrect results.

• 2

  Clear your calendar so that you can properly conduct the collection. Avoid having to transport the urine by performing the collection at home. Find out if your doctor wants you to start the collection at a specific time.

• 3

  Medications can influence urine testing.

  Tell your doctor about all medications that you are taking, including any food supplements, vitamins or herbs.

• 4

  Obtain the collection container and urine pan from the doctor's office or lab at least one day before.

• 5

  Clear a space in your refrigerator for your collection container. Make sure it is not in the way and that no one can knock it over.

• 6

  Flush your first urine specimen without saving it. This will mark the beginning of the 24-hour collection period.