From both a chemical and cytological standpoint marked changes can occur in urine with standing and shipping. For the best possible results, urine should be examined immediately after collection.

If shipping urine for analysis, it is important to:

  1. Collect fresh urine (5 – 10 ml) in a sterile leak-proof container.
  2. State method of collection – catheterization, cystocentesis or freeflow.
  3. A brief history should always accompany your specimen – e.g. if you suspect malignant cells or have seen an unidentifiable crystal or cell, antibiotic use etc.
  4. Urines should be prepared for cytologic evaluation by splitting the sample into a red-topped tube and a conical tube. Store the red-topped tube in the refrigerator. Centrifuge the remaining urine in a conical tube. Dispose of the supernatant and prepare smears from the sediment. Allow the smears to air-dry and maintain them at room temperature. Submit both the intact urine and the air-dried, unstained smears for cytologic evaluation.
  5. If bacterial culture is required, submit a urine swab also.

Urine Protein: Urine Creatinine (UP/UC) Urine Cortisol: Urine Creatinine (UC/UC)

UP/UC and UC/UC ratios can be measured on 1 ml of urine collected via cystocentesis or clean free catch. After collection store the sample in the fridge or the freezer for periods longer than 2 days.