Collecting a specimen in the toilet

• • • Collect a clean receptacle to catch the specimen in
    • Collect and label laboratory specimen container with date, name and location (ward or facility) specimen. (Do this before you get to the person – but add the time of collection after it is collected)
    • Explain to the person that a specimen is required to be sent to the lab (if the person is able to collect their own specimen, ensure they wash their hands before they go to the toilet)
    • Take the person to the toilet
    • Wash your hands or apply sanitizer gel
    • Put on gloves
    • Sit the person on the toilet and when they start to pass urine, collect the specimen in the receptacle
    • Pour urine sample into laboratory container ensuring no urine spills onto outside of container and ensure cap is on firmly so it doesn’t spill
    • Assist person from the toilet
    • Get person to wash their hands
    • Remove your gloves
    • Wash hands or apply sanitizer gel
    • Write the time specimen was collected on the specimen container
    • Place in biohazard bag and seal
    • Insert laboratory test request form in side pocket of biohazard bag
    • Advise laboratory that specimen is for collection
    • Write in progress notes and/or where specimens are recorded as collected with date and time of collection
    • Advise Registered Nurse it is collected

Note: ensure privacy at all times. If it is safe to leave the person alone to pass urine, do so.

   Collecting a specimen in a commode

• • • Collect a clean receptacle to catch urine
    • Collect and label laboratory specimen container with date, name and location (ward or facility) specimen (Do this before you get to the person – but add the time of collection after it is collected)
    • Explain to the person that a specimen is required to be sent to the lab
    • Place the clean receptacle in a clean commode pan (make sure the commode has been emptied and the bowl cleaned with soap and water and dried before you do this.)
    • Wash your hands or apply sanitizer gel
    • Put on gloves
    • Assist the person from the bed or chair
    • Sit the person on the commode and tell them they can pass urine into the pan – ensure the receptacle is in the right place to collect the specimen
    • When person has passed urine assist them back to bed or chair and give a soaped flannel and towel or wipe for them to wash their hands
    • Remove receptacle from commode and pour urine sample into laboratory container ensuring no urine spills onto the outside of container.
    • Secure cap firmly to prevent spillage
    • Remove your gloves
    • Wash hands or apply sanitizer gel
    • Write the time of sample collection on container
    • Place in biohazard bag and seal
    • Insert laboratory test request form in side pocket of biohazard bag
    • Advise laboratory that specimen is for collection
    • Write in progress notes and/or where specimens are recorded as collected with date and time of collection
    • Advise Registered Nurse it is collected

   Caregiver Tips for Collecting a Specimen

• • • Do not touch the top of the collection container as you will contaminate the sample bottle with any bacteria that may be on your hands
    • Where possible get the person to pass a little urine first then collect the sample, remove container and let them finishing passing urine. This is called a mid-stream specimen which is likely to contain less contaminants than the first passing of urine.
    • Never use urine that has been sitting in a commode overnight. Urine should always be fresh
    • The best time to collect a specimen is first thing in the morning is the best for urinalysis and microscopic analysis as it is generally more concentrated
    • Most Random specimens can be taken at any time of the day but some need to be collected at specific times. Check with your RN before you get the collection.
    • If a person is having trouble passing urine

• • • • Try running the tap if one available
      • Give a drink of water
      • Leave the room and give them privacy (if it is safe for them to be left on their own)

• • • Do not touch the inside of the collection receptacle or specimen bottle with your hands as you will contaminate the specimen with bacteria that is on your hands
    • If the person is taking their own specimen, advise they must not touch the inside of the receptacle or specimen jar
    • Clean hands are essential so contaminants do not contaminate a specimen