Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

General Nursing (RGN)

COLLECTION OF 24-HOURS OF URINE

A timed urine collection obtains every specimen voided during a prescribed 24-hour period for quantitative laboratory analysis. Accurate results depend on a clearly recorded start time, correct first-void exclusion, collection of every subsequent void, and preservation of the specimen according to laboratory policy.

Purpose

  • Measure renal excretion of substances such as protein, creatinine, electrolytes, or hormones
  • Assess renal function and response to treatment
  • Provide a complete timed specimen for laboratory investigation

Indications

  • A prescribed 24-hour urine analysis
  • Investigation of suspected renal impairment or proteinuria
  • Monitoring a condition or treatment requiring quantitative urine measurement

Equipment

  • Laboratory request form
  • Large approved 24-hour urine container with preservative if supplied
  • Clean bedpan or urinal
  • Disposable gloves
  • Specimen labels and marker
  • Measuring jug if required by local policy
  • Mackintosh and towel
  • Cool storage or designated specimen refrigerator if required

Preparation

  • Check whether medicines, fluid restrictions, or dietary instructions affect the test and clarify uncertainty before starting.
  • Assess continence, mobility, cognition, and the need for assistance or a commode.

Procedure steps

  • Verify the prescription, test, patient identity, and laboratory requirements using two identifiers.
  • Explain that the collection begins at the documented start time and that every urine passed afterward must be saved until the documented finish time.
  • Provide privacy and teach the patient to report each void; inform all staff involved in the patient’s care.
  • At the start time, ask the patient to empty the bladder and discard that urine; record the exact time as the start.
  • Label the container with patient identifiers, ward, test, start date and time, and planned completion date and time.
  • For every void after the start, collect urine in a clean receptacle and transfer it carefully into the approved container without contaminating the outside.
  • Keep the container closed, secure, and stored as directed by the laboratory; do not discard any urine or preservative.
  • If a specimen is missed, spilled, contaminated, or the patient voids outside the container, stop and notify the nurse in charge or laboratory for instructions; do not guess.
  • At the completion time, collect the final void even if the patient does not feel an urge, record the actual finish time, and mix only if laboratory policy permits.
  • Send the correctly labelled specimen and request form promptly, document the collection, and report an incomplete collection or abnormal urine appearance.

Precautions

  • Do not pour urine from a bedpan containing faeces, tissue, disinfectant, or other contaminants into the collection container.
  • Treat preservatives as hazardous according to local policy and never remove or dilute them.
  • A missed void invalidates a timed collection unless the laboratory specifically authorizes continuation or restart.
  • Use standard precautions and prevent spills; follow local policy for refrigeration and transport.

Documentation

  • Record the start and finish times, each missed or discarded void, specimen condition, storage, and time sent to the laboratory.
  • Document patient teaching and any notification to the prescriber or laboratory.

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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