24-Hour Urine Collection Instructions

Important: Do not urinate (pee) directly into the large collection container. Use the smaller urine (pee) collection hat provided. Keep the large container in the fridge or on ice.

Materials Needed:

• Urine Hat
• 24-hour urine container
• These supplies can be obtained from your provider’s office or an outpatient lab location.

How to Collect Your Urine:

1. Start the collection:

• When you wake up, pee in the toilet first. Do not save this urine.
• Write down the date and exact time on the collection container. This is your start time.

2. Collect all urine for the next 24 hours:

• Each time you pee, pour it into the large container.
• If you have a bowel movement, try not to get stool in the urine.

3. Keep urine cold:

• Store the container in the fridge or on ice between each collection.
• Make sure the lid is on tight to prevent spills.

4. If you make a mistake:

• If you forget to collect any urine or get stool in it, please obtain a new container and start over the next day.

5. End the collection:

• The next morning, at the same time as the start time, pee one last time and add it to the container.
• This is your final sample.

6. Label the container:

• Use the label provided by your provider or write your name and date of birth on the container. Also write the start date and time, and end date and time (include AM or PM).

7. Bring the sample to the lab:

• Take the container to the lab within 1-2 hours and keep it cold. If collected in the evening, please take to the outpatient lab the following morning. Keep it in the refrigerator or on ice to keep it cold.
• At the lab, staff will check you in, print a label for your container, and confirm your name and birth date. If any questions please contact the lab. (Akron Outpatient Lab 330-543-8573 or Mahoning Valley Lab 330-746-9623).