Specimen Handling Instructions

It is of major importance that a catheterized specimen be labeled as such, as cellular findings are altered through instrumentation.

Voided urine is the specimen of choice for all screening programs and for diagnostic studies in males because of the ease of collection and satisfactory results.

For suspected lesions of the renal pelvis or the ureter, examination of the voided urine is often satisfactory.

24 hour collections are unsatisfactory for cytologic evaluation, due to cellular degeneration.

Catheterization of the upper ureteral tract is necessary to sample specific anatomic sites.  Catheterized specimens are preferred specimens from female patients.

Urine specimens obtained through instrumentation do not contain cellular contamination from other anatomic sites.

Voided urines:

a. A first morning voided, midstream collection is best.

b. Collect into a clean specimen container.

c. No fixatives/preservatives are added. An equal amount of 50% ethyl alcohol may be added to the specimen for preservation of the cellular material, if specimen delivery is anticipated to be delayed for a couple days.

Catheterized urine:

a. The catheter itself is a semi-flexible tubing apparatus introduced into the bladder or ureter for the withdrawal of urine.

b. All specimens are collected into a clean specimen container.

c.          An equal amount of 50% ethyl alcohol may be added to the specimen for preservation of the cellular material, if specimen delivery is anticipated to be delayed for a couple days