During the test
A urine sample may be collected at home, in a doctor's office, or in a clinic using a sterile container provided by your doctor. Usually, you will collect your own urine sample. The process is simple and normally takes just a few minutes.
You should first wash your hands and the genital area before collecting a urine sample to minimize contamination.
Unless your doctor gives you different instructions, use the "clean catch" method to collect a urine sample. Begin urinating into the toilet for several seconds, then place the collection cup into the flow of urine and collect about 30 mL to 60 mL of urine. In the process, be sure to not let the rim of the container touch your genital area, the toilet, or anything else. Wash your hands afterwards and deliver the sample to a health care worker.
If you are collecting at home and can't get your urine to the lab or doctor's office in the next 30 to 60 minutes, refrigerate the urine (unless your doctor has told you not to) until you have time to send it to the lab for analysis.
Sometimes, your doctor may ask you to empty your bladder first, then drink large amounts of water and collect urine using the above method in about 30 to 40 minutes.
After the test
You can resume your normal daily activities right after the test.
The urine sample will be analyzed in a lab based on its appearance, acidity, color, clarity, concentration, protein content, pH, sugar levels, and presence of bacteria or abnormal cells. A report will be sent to your doctor, who will then discuss the results with you.
Ask your doctor when you can expect your test results to be made available.