Urine test cup: how to collect a good sample

The laboratory uses a sealed, labelled container to examine urine for substances, cells, organisms, or other markers. The requested sample may be a midstream specimen, a first-morning sample, or a timed collection, so follow the instructions given with the test. A container from home may not be sterile and can introduce organisms or cleaning chemicals.

A contaminated specimen can produce misleading findings or lead to a repeat collection. Tell the clinician if the lid was loose, the inside was touched, the sample was collected in another vessel, or delivery was delayed.

Wash your hands, check the label, and clean the genital area if instructed. Begin urinating into the toilet, then place the cup in the stream without touching the inside or rim. Collect the amount requested, finish in the toilet, close the lid firmly, and wash your hands again. Never add water or another liquid.

Write the collection time if requested and return the cup according to the laboratory's instructions. Ask whether it should be refrigerated during a delay. More guidance is available on [Urine Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/urine-test/).

The cup itself is not a treatment and cannot explain symptoms. Seek prompt care for fever, chills, side or back pain, vomiting, or feeling very unwell with urinary symptoms, as these may occur with a [Kidney Infection](/conditions/kidney-infection/).

Get urgent help if you cannot pass urine, become confused, faint, or have severe pain. Burning urination, urgency, or frequent small amounts of urine should be assessed for causes such as [Urinary Tract Infection](/conditions/urinary-tract-infection/).

Which type of urine sample do I need? How quickly must I return it? Should I pause any medicine? What should I do if I spill the sample or cannot collect it as instructed?