Nursing Procedure 8.2
- Collecting a Timed Urine Specimen
Preserves urine specimens obtained over a designated period of time to ensure proper storage for laboratory analysis.
Nursing Procedure 8.2
Preserves urine specimens obtained over a designated period of time to ensure proper storage for laboratory analysis.
Assessment should focus on the following:
Nursing diagnoses may include the following:
Outcome Identification and Planning
Sample desired outcomes include the following:
Special Considerations in Planning and Implementation
Timed urine collection requires careful planning and precision to avoid delayed diagnosis due to late or repeated specimen collection secondary to improper timing in collection or storage errors. It is often best to begin a 24-hr timed specimen collection at the beginning of the day so that it will end in the morning of the next day and can be transported directly to the lab.
This procedure may be delegated to unlicensed personnel or to the client or a family member. Emphasize the importance of procedural accuracy, particularly proper storage and timing of the beginning and completion of urine collection.
| Action | Rationale | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Perform hand hygiene. | Reduces microorganism transfer |
| 2 | Explain procedure to client, emphasizing the importance of saving all urine voided over the designated period. | Reduces anxiety; promotes cooperation |
| 3 | Determine if client is allergic to iodine-based antiseptics and use alternative, if indicated. | Avoids allergic reactions |
| 4 | Don gloves. | Prevents contamination of hands; reduces risk of infection transmission |
| 5 | Obtain (see Nursing Procedure 8.1) and discard first voided specimen and note the initiation time on specimen collection container. OR If specimen is obtained from a catheter, empty urine collection device to initiate timed collection. | Prevents collection of urine held in the bladder for an unknown period of time or urine sitting in drainage bag for extended period |
| 6 | Ask client to notify nurse each time he or she voids. OR, if specimen is obtained from a catheter, collect urine from the drainage container every 2–4 hr. | Ensures urine is placed in proper storage solution shortly after being voided |
| 7 | With each voiding or each urine collection period, measure urine, remove the top from the collection container, pour urine specimen from bedpan, urinal, bedside commode, or catheter bag into collection container, then tightly recap container. | Collects urine shortly after voiding; prevents accidental contamination or spilling if container turns over |
| 8 | If laboratory procedure requires cooling of specimen, place container in a bucket of ice or refrigeration unit and maintain refrigeration throughout specimen collection period (Fig. 8.1). | Maintains specimen for analysis, since some elements degrade over time without preservatives or cold |
| 9 | After the last specimen is collected (over appropriate time frame as ordered), inform client that collection will no longer be needed (if applicable, explain that recording of urine will continue). | Releases client from continuing rigid specimen collection regimen but maintains protocol for output measurement, when applicable |
| 10 | Label specimen container with date and time of last voiding and client identification information (if not previously labeled). | Notes time and date of collection; ensures that specimen and results are associated with the correct client |
| 11 | Fill out agency requisition form for specimen. | Facilitates proper logging and charging in lab |
| 12 | Send specimen to lab immediately. | Avoids sending old specimen in which urine constituents may have changed |
| 13 | Discard equipment appropriately. | Reduces spread of infection |
| 14 | Remove and discard gloves and perform hand hygiene. | Reduces microorganism transfer |
Were desired outcomes achieved? Examples of evaluation include:
