Collection Practices

Accurate and efficient test results start with sound collection practices. If you are local to our Vermont laboratory, we may be able to complete local collections for you.

Completing your own collections? Here are some tips for successful urine collection:

  1. The donor must provide appropriate identification to the collector before the collection procedure begins.
  2. The collector should ask the donor to remove unnecessary outer clothing (e.g. coat, bulky sweatshirts, hat, etc.), and to leave backpacks and shoulder bags outside the restroom. This reduces the ability for the donor to bring adulterants into the collection room.
  3. The collector must also ensure that the donor does not have access to items inside the restroom that could be used to adulterate or dilute the specimen (e.g., soap, disinfectants, cleansing agents, water).
  4. Bluing (coloring) agent should be added to the toilet tank to prevent a donor from diluting the specimen. A bluish urine sample will automatically alert a collector to a sample that’s been tampered with.
  5. When the only source of water for washing hands is inside the restroom, then the collector must secure the water source (by using tamper-evident tape or cutting off the water supply) before the collection takes place. Water can be turned back on for the donor to wash hands after the urine sample has been removed from the bathroom.

For even more helpful tips, download this PDF for our tips on Best Collection Practices.

Or, download this PDF for information on Shy Bladder Procedures and Other Potential Collection Issues.

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