Urine and Stool Collection
Urine Collection
The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic initiated a study to determine stability of analytes under different preservative conditions. This reference chart, built from that study, will enable you to select either temperature conditions or preservatives to maximize the number of tests that can be performed on a single 24-hour collection.
Note: The addition of preservative or application of temperature controls must occur within 4 hours of completion of the collection, or an acceptable preservative must be added at the start of the collection. Urine tests which require that the preservative be added at the start of the collection are noted by an * (asterisk). The conditions and concentrations of urine preservatives are defined for 24-hour collections as follows:
| Ambient | Room temperature (21°- 25° C) |
| Refrigerated | 4° C |
| Frozen | -20° C |
| 6N HCI | 30 mL per 24-hour collection |
| 50% Acetic Acid (Supply #T008) | 25 mL per 24-hour collection |
| Na2CO3 (crystals) (Supply #T272) | 5 g per 24-hour collection |
| Toluene | 30 mL per 24-hour collection |
| 6N HNO3 | 15 mL per 24-hour collection |
| Boric Acid (crystals) (Supply #T473) | 10 g per 24-hour collection |
| Thymol (10% isopropanol) | 10 g per 24-hour collection |
Preservative and condition guidelines have been evaluated specifically
for Mayo Medical Laboratories assays.
Stool Collection
Containers and Transport
Special containers and 100mL white polypropylene aliquot containers for the collection and processing of fecal specimens are supplied by Mayo medical Laboratories.
Refer to the Test Catalog for specific test information.
Container Label and Required Information
- Each container has the following label affixed:
- At the time the container is given to the patient:
- Fill in the patient name
- Review the test to be done and specimen requirements with the patient
- Collection duration
- Diet requirements
- Collection and storage of the specimen until it is returned to you
- Four Mayo Medical Laboratories containers should be provided for a timed collection
- One aliquot container should be provided for a random collection
- Provide patient with information on how to obtain additional containers from you should that be necessary
- Instruct patient not to fill any container more than 3/4 full (to the indicated line on the label)
- At the time the patient returns the container to you, complete the following information on the label:
- Duration of collection should have the appropriate box checked. If timed duration is other than those listed, please list it on the Other line.
- Indicate if the entire collection is contained in one container or in multiple containers. Indicate total number of containers sent.
- Label each container with the Mayo Medical Laboratories' Control Number sticker from the appropriate request form.
Resources
To assist in proper 24-hour urine and stool collection, Mayo Medical Laboratories provides comprehensive instructions in both English and Spanish. Collection containers are also available.
24-Hour Urine Collection
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Stool Collection
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Urine Preservatives Chart - supply #T492
Click images to enlarge.
