Includes Macroscopic and Microscopic Examinations
Preferred Specimen(s) 10 mL urine – Urinalysis transport tube (yellow-top, blue fill line, preservative tube)
Instructions Encourage clean catch mid stream samples to minimize contamination and improve accuracy. Label the sample appropriately and store at room temperature until pickup.
Note: The Yellow-top, blue line tube cannot be used for collection and transport of specimens for urine culture. If culture is being ordered separately, submit separate specimen (10 mL urine gray-top tube).
Transport Container Yellow-top, blue line urinalysis transport tube
Transport Temperature
- unpreserved – Room temperature,
- 24 hours preserved:
- Refrigerated, 72 hours
- Pediatric Unpreserved: Refrigerated (cold packs)
Reject Criteria Unpreserved specimen (adults) received after 72 hours
Methodology Reagent Impregnated Strips/Tablets/Microscopic Examination
Clinical Significance Dipstick urinalysis is important in accessing the chemical constituents in the urine and the relationship to various disease states. Microscopic examination helps to detect the presence of abnormal urine cells and formed elements.