Welcome to the Laboratory Services Page. Click on the links below for instructions on specific specimen collection procedures:

Blood Sample Instructions
Fasting Blood Work
Glucose Tolerance Test

Semen Sample Instructions
Complete Semen Analysis Specimen Collection
Post-Vasectomy Specimen Collection

Sputum Sample Instructions
Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) Specimen Collection
Cytology Sputum Specimen Collection
Routine Culture Specimen Collection

Stool Sample Instructions
Fecal Fat Sample Specimen
General Stool Specimen Collection
Stool Occult Blood Test Specimens

Urine Sample Instructions
24 Hour Urine Collection
Dietary Preparation for 24 Hour Urine Collection
Midstream Urine Collection
Pregnancy Specimen Collection
Special Urine Tests

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Instructions for Fasting Blood Work
This test is used to test for diabetes and for cholesterol testing.

Your provider has ordered a test that requires a 12-hour period of fasting before your blood is drawn.
1. Do not eat or drink anything except plain water for 12 hours before having your blood drawn.

2. Avoid smoking, breath mints and gum chewing prior to having your blood drawn.

3. Take any medications ordered by your provider but do not follow any food-related instructions for the medication. Refer to these instructions instead.

4. Bring any written information or laboratory slips the provider gave you with your Kaiser Permanente medical record number when reporting for the tests.

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Instructions for Glucose Tolerance Test
This test is sometimes used to test for diabetes

Your provider has ordered a test that requires a 12-hour period of fasting before your blood is drawn.
1. Eat your usual diet before the test.

2. Do not eat or drink anything except plain water for 12 hours before having your blood drawn.

3. Avoid smoking, breath mints and gum chewing prior to having your blood drawn.

4. Take any medications ordered by your provider but do not follow any food-related instructions for the medication. Refer to these instructions instead.

5. Bring any written information or laboratory slips the provider gave you when reporting for the tests.

6. You will be given a glucose (sugar) solution to drink and blood samples will be drawn at timed intervals. The timing of each blood draw is very important.

7. This test will take several hours. Please plan to remain in the building until the test is completed.

Note: Fasting is not required for the prenatal one-hour glucose screen tests (GLUCP).

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Instructions for Complete Semen Analysis Specimen Collection
Used to test for male fertility (number and activity of sperm cells) Learn more about infertility testing.

1. A special sterile container is needed for the specimen collection. The container may be provided by the clinic. If not provided to you by the clinic, please get a container from the laboratory.

2. Do not ejaculate for at least 3 days before collecting the specimen.

3. It is best to obtain the specimen by masturbation. If masturbation is not possible, then collect by withdrawing during intercourse. Do not use a condom for collection.

4. Collect the entire ejaculate into the container provided by the laboratory.

5. Replace the lid on the container to prevent leakage. Record date and time of collection on the container.

6. Keep the specimen close to body temperature by placing the container in your pocket or close to your body until it is delivered to the laboratory. Do not use anything that might overheat the sample – such as a heating pad.

7. Bring the Kaiser Health Plan card belonging to the person collecting the specimen.

8. Deliver the specimen with any written information or laboratory slip the provider gave you to the laboratory no more than 60 minutes after collection. Give the specimen directly to the laboratory receptionist to ensure immediate attention.

9. Be sure container is labeled with the Kaiser medical record number and name of the member producing/collecting the semen specimen, and the sample date and time before you leave the laboratory.

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Instructions for Post-Vasectomy Specimen Collection
Used to make sure that the vasectomy worked – no sperm.

1. A special sterile container is needed for the specimen collection. It The container may be provided by the clinic. If not provided to you by the clinic, please get a container from the laboratory.

2. Preferably, obtain the specimen by masturbation. If not possible, the specimen may be collected by withdrawal during intercourse. Do not use a condom for collection.

3. Collect the entire ejaculate into the container provided by the laboratory.

4. Replace the lid on the container to prevent leakage. Record date and time of collection on the container.

5. Deliver the specimen with any written information or laboratory slip the provider gave you to the laboratory on the same day it is collected. Bring the Kaiser Health Plan card belonging to the person collecting/producing the specimen.

6. Be sure the container is labeled with the Kaiser medical record number and name of the person collecting/producing the specimen, and the sample date and time before you leave the laboratory.

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Instructions for Collecting Sputum Specimens for Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB)
Used to test for tuberculosis infection in the lungs.

Your provider has ordered a test that requires a sputum specimen collection. It is very important that an adequate sputum specimen is collected for this procedure.

Sputum is material from deep down in the chest which is obtained by deep coughing.

• Saliva is the watery fluid in the mouth and is not desirable for culture.
• Post-nasal drainage is the thick material which drains down from the nose and sinuses at the back of the throat, especially during the night. This material should be cleared from the throat and discarded before collecting the sputum specimen.

Collection Instructions
1. Special sterile containers are needed for the specimen collection. The containers may be provided by the clinic. If not provided to you by the clinic, please get containers from the laboratory.

2. Collect sputum early in the morning immediately after waking up and before eating or drinking. Rinse mouth with water and remove dentures, if any.

3. Breathe in and out deeply 2 to 4 times.

4. Give a series of low, deep coughs to raise sputum from the lungs and deposit material into the sterile container. It is helpful to have about 2 teaspoons of sputum.

5. Secure the lid to prevent leakage. Label container with date and time of collection.

6. If your provider wants you to collect more than one specimen, collect a sputum specimen each morning for as many times as you have containers. If your provider has requested a total of three specimens, the specimens for the first and second days may be refrigerated until the third specimen is collected, so that you can take all three specimens to the laboratory at the same time.

7. Return the specimen container(s) and any slips the provider gave you to the laboratory receptionist on the same morning the last specimen was collected.

8. Be sure your container is labeled with your name, Kaiser Permanente medical record number, and the sample date and time before you leave the laboratory.

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Instructions for Collecting Sputum Specimens for Cytology
Used to test for abnormal cells (cancer) in the lungs.

Your provider has ordered a test that requires a sputum specimen collection. It is very important that an adequate sputum specimen is collected for this procedure.

• Sputum is material from deep down in the chest which is obtained by deep coughing.
• Saliva is the watery fluid in the mouth and is not desirable for culture.
• Post-nasal drainage is the thick material which drains down from the nose and sinuses at the back of the throat, especially during the night. This material should be cleared from the throat and discarded before collecting the sputum specimen.

Collection Instructions
1. Special containers with preservative are required for specimen collection. You will need to obtain these from the laboratory.

2. Collect sputum early in the morning immediately after waking up and before eating or drinking. Rinse mouth with water and remove dentures, if any.

3. Breathe in and out deeply 2 to 4 times.

4. Give a series of low, deep coughs to raise sputum from the lungs and deposit at least 1- 2 teaspoons of material into the container which contains a preservative. WARNING: The preservative is POISONOUS. Avoid contact and keep out of reach of children.

5. Secure the lid to prevent leakage. Label container with date and time of collection.

6. If your provider wants you to collect more than one specimen, collect a sputum specimen each morning for as many times as you have slips. If your provider has requested a total of three specimens, the specimens for the first and second days may be kept at room temperature until the third specimen is collected, so that you can take all three specimens to the laboratory at the same time.

7. Return the specimen container(s) with any slips your provider gave you to the laboratory receptionist on the same morning the last specimen was collected.

8. Be sure your container is labeled with your name, Kaiser Permanente medical record number, and the sample date and time before you leave the laboratory.

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Instructions for Collecting Sputum Specimens for Routine Culture
Used to test for lung infection or pneumonia

Your provider has ordered a test that requires a sputum specimen collection. It is very important that an adequate sputum specimen is collected for this procedure.

• Sputum is material from deep down in the chest which is obtained by deep coughing.
• Saliva is the watery fluid in the mouth and is not desirable for culture.
• Post-nasal drainage is the thick material which drains down from the nose and sinuses at the back of the throat, especially during the night. This material should be cleared from the throat and discarded before collecting the sputum specimen.

Collection Instructions
1. A special sterile container is needed for the specimen collection. It The container may be provided by the clinic. If not provided to you by the clinic, please get a container from the laboratory.

2. Collect sputum early in the morning immediately after waking up and before eating or drinking. Rinse mouth with water and remove dentures, if any.

3. Breathe in and out deeply 2 to 4 times.

4. Give a series of low, deep coughs to raise sputum from the lungs and deposit material into the sterile container. It is helpful to have about 2 teaspoons of sputum.

5. Replace the lid to prevent leakage. Label container with date and time of collection.

6. Return the specimen container with any slip(s) your provider gave you to the laboratory receptionist on the same day.

7. Be sure your container is labeled with your name, Kaiser Permanente medical record number, and the sample date and time before you leave the laboratory.

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Instructions for Obtaining 72 Hour Fecal Fat Specimen
Used to test for proper digestion of fats by the gut.

This test measures fat in stool (feces). This test works best if people eat a high fat diet - with about the same amount of fat each day – for 5 days in a row. Stool collection begins the morning of the third day and continues for two more days (72 hours total collection time). A collection container is obtained from the laboratory.

Diet Plan

It is very important that you follow this diet ( 100 grams fat per day ) as closely as possible. A sample daily menu is provided to help you with your meal planning. Be very careful to measure your meat, milk and fats to ensure you eat the correct amount.

Notes
1. If you cannot tolerate milk, substitute 1 teaspoon of margarine or oil for each cup of milk.
2. All fresh, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables are acceptable. They may be eaten raw or cooked without additional fat.
3. Other alternatives in the category include: corn or no-fat flour tortillas, pita bread, bagels, matzos, noodles, chipitas, brown or white rice, low fat crackers and hot cereal made with water.
4. If you do not eat meat you may substitute any of the following for one ounce of lean meat: 4 oz. tofu, 1 egg, 1½ oz. natural cheese, 1 oz. fish, 2 Tbls. Nuts or seeds, 2 Tbls. Peanut butter or 1/3 cup whole milk.

Sample Menu
Breakfast
• 1 egg fried with 1 teaspoon oil
• 1 cup whole milk
• toast with 1 teaspoon margarine or butter
• juice or fruit
• coffee

Lunch
• Sandwich: 3 oz. lean meat (turkey, chicken, ham, roast beef or tuna), 2 slices bread and 1 teaspoon mayonnaise
• green salad (no avocados, olives, nuts, seeds) with 2 Tbls. Salad dressing (not fat-free)
• 1 cup whole milk
• fruit

Dinner
• 5 oz. lean meat (turkey, chicken, roast beef)
• baked potato with 1 tsp. margarine or butter
• vegetables, plain

Specimen Collection
1. The laboratory will provide you with a specimen container. It is very important to collect all the stool you pass for 3 days.

2. Pass the stool directly into the specimen container or place plastic wrap over the toilet bowl and pass stool onto the plastic. Transfer the entire stool into the specimen container.

3. Do not allow urine or water to come in contact with the stool specimen.

4. Keep the specimen cool during the collection time. The collection container may be kept in the refrigerator or in a separate insulated cooler, packed in wet ice, until returning the specimen to the laboratory.

5. Collect all stool (bowel movements) you pass for 72 hours (3 days).

6. Be sure your container is labeled with your name, Kaiser Permanente medical record number, and the sample date and time before you leave the laboratory.

7. Return the specimen container with any slip(s) your provider gave you to the laboratory receptionist the day you finish collection.

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Instructions for Stool Specimen Collection
Used to test for infection in the intestines

Your provider has ordered a test that requires a stool specimen. Special containers for the stool samples need to be obtained from the laboratory. Pass stool (bowel movement) into a clean, dry container (may be provided). Alternately, place plastic wrap over the toilet bowl and pass stool onto the plastic. Do not allow urine or water to come in contact with the stool specimen.

When returning specimens to the lab and before leaving be sure your container is labeled with your name, Kaiser Permanente medical record number, and the sample collection date and time.

STOOL CULTURE: Yellow Cap (Cary Blair Transport Medium)
CAUTION: The preservative fluid in the vial is POISONOUS.
1.Remove the specimen cap and with the attached spoon, place stool into the vial until the liquid reaches the “Fill Line”.

2. Mash the specimen in the vial until mixed well with the preservative.

3. Replace and tighten the screw cap. Shake the contents until mixed well. Label container with date and time of collection.

4. Return the “filled” vial with any slip(s) the doctor provider gave you to the laboratory receptionist the same day the specimen was collected.

OVA AND PARASITE: (2 vials, pink and green or grey caps) (Para Pak Stool System)
CAUTION: The fluid in the vial(s) is POISONOUS.
1. Remove the specimen cap from one vial. Using the attached spoon, collect some stool specimen, especially from any area that is bloody or slimy. Place stool into the vial until the liquid reaches the “Fill Line”.

2. Mash the specimen in the vial until mixed well with the preservative.

3. Replace and tighten the screw cap. Shake the contents until mixed well. Label container with date and time of collection.

4. Repeat the process using the second vial.

5. Return both “filled” vials with any slip(s) the provider gave you to the laboratory receptionist the same day the specimen was collected.

DIFFICILE OR WBC SMEAR: (white cap) (Sterile Container)
1. Remove the specimen cap from the vial (or cup). Transfer a small amount of stool specimen, especially from any area that is bloody or slimy, to the vial.

2. Replace and tighten the screw cap. Label container with date and time of collection.

3. Return the “filled” vial (or cup), packed on wet ice, with any slip(s) the doctor gave you to the laboratory receptionist within two hours of collection.

Note: Discard any remaining stool.

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Instructions for Obtaining Stool Occult Blood Test Specimens
Used to test for blood in the stool

The purpose of this test is to check the stool for small amounts of blood not apparent to the naked eye. Instructions must be followed carefully to get accurate results. The specimen kit(s) are obtained from the laboratory.

General Instructions
1. Please do not collect specimens during, or until three days after a menstrual period, or while you have bleeding hemorrhoids or blood in your urine.

2. Collected specimens may be kept at room temperature. Do not leave the slides in the heat, sunlight, or under fluorescent light.

3. Keep the cover of slide closed when not in use.

Diet: Follow the special diet for three days prior to and during the entire test period.
1. Do not eat red meat (beef, lamb), including processed meats and liver.

2. Do not eat raw fruits and vegetables (especially melons, radishes, turnips and horseradish).

3. Do not take vitamin C in excess of 250 mg. per day. Some iron supplements contain vitamin C in excess of this daily limit.

Collection Instructions
1. Have the stool kit available.

2. Pass stool (bowel movement) into a clean, dry container (may be provided). Alternately, place plastic wrap over the toilet bowl and pass stool onto the plastic. Do not allow urine or water to come in contact with the stool specimen.

3. Open the slide cover. Using one of the small sticks included in the kit, collect a small sample of the stool and thinly smear it in Box A of the slide.

4. From a different part of the stool, repeat the process using Box B. Close the slide cover. Label the slide with the collection date and time. Discard any remaining stool.

5. Collect specimens from bowel movements closely spaced in time for the number of slides you receive from the laboratory, using a separate slide for each specimen.

6. When all slide(s) are prepared, place them in the envelope provided.

7. If you were given a laboratory slip, place it in the envelope with the slide(s).

8. Return the specimen envelope by mail or bring it back to the laboratory receptionist within two days after the last specimen has been collected. Be sure your slides are labeled with your name, Kaiser Permanente medical record number, and the collection date and time before mailing or leaving the laboratory.

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Instructions for 24 Hour Urine Collection

Your provider has ordered a test that requires a timed urine collection. You may be asked to follow a special diet prior to and during the specimen collection period. You can go here to review the diet: Dietary Preparation for 24 Hour Urine Collection

Please follow the instructions outlined below. A special urine container will be provided by the laboratory. It will be labeled if it contains a preservative.

___Container has preservative ___Container has NO preservative

Caution: The large urine container given to you may contain a preservative. If so, DO NOT DISCARD IT. The preservative is POISONOUS. AVOID ANY CONTACT AND DO NOT BREATHE ITS VAPORS. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Any spilled preservative should be washed off immediately with plenty of water.

1. Most people find the collection easiest when started on a Sunday., Do not begin the collection on a Friday, Saturday or the day before a holiday unless the laboratory will be open the following day. Follow any instructions your provider gave you regarding the collection date.

2. At your "TIME START", when you get up in the morning, ( 6 AM Sunday for example) empty your bladder and discard this urine. Record your "TIME START" and the date on the urine container label.

3. Collect your urine into a separate special container provided by the laboratory, and pour the urine into the larger container. DO NOT PASS URINE DIRECTLY INTO THE LARGE CONTAINER.

4. During the next 24 hours, collect all of your urine and add it to the large container.

5. Store the urine in the refrigerator or in a separate insulated container packed with ice. Keep the container tightly capped to prevent leakage.

6. The next day, at the same time that you emptied your bladder the day before (6 AM Monday for example), empty your bladder and add this urine to the container. Record your "TIME END" and the date on the container label. "TIME START" and "TIME END" should be the same time, 24 hours apart.

7. Do not bring in an incomplete collection (e.g. forgetting one specimen during the 24 hours). Instead, come to the laboratory for a new container and begin again.

8. Be sure your container is labeled with your name, Kaiser Permanente medical record number, and the sample date and ‘TIME START” and “TIME END” before you leave the laboratory.

9. Return the urine specimen with any slip(s) the provider gave you to the laboratory the same day the specimen collection is completed.

Note: Instuctions for a 12 hour, 2 hour or any other timed urine collection are the same as above, except for the specimen collection time period.

Additional Instructions for Creatinine Clearance Test
You must come to the laboratory for a required blood test the day the urine collection is completed, when returning the urine specimen. Your height and weight are required for this test.

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Dietary Preparation for 24 Hour Urine Collection
Dietary Restrictions and Medication Precautions for Specific Tests and Compounds

If testing for:

Catecholamines, Fractionation, Urinary Free (Epinephrine, Free Catecholamine) and Dopamine
Avoid caffeine 4 hours prior to and during collection. Avoid vigorous exercise during urine collection. Mandelamine should be avoided 48 hours prior to and during collection. If you are taking Mandelamine, please consult your doctor before discontinuing medication.

5-HIAA (5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid)
Avoid bananas, avocados, plums, eggplant, tomatoes, plantain, pineapples, walnuts, and kiwi for a 72 hour period prior to and during the collection. Avoid smoking and alcohol for 72 hours prior to and during collection. Reserpine, imipramine, isoniazid, methyldopa, monoamine oxidase inhibitors or any compound containing these drugs will affect test results. If you are on any of these medications, please consult your doctor prior to discontinuing.

HVA (Homovanillic Acid)
Avoid disulfiram, reserpine and pyridoxine for 48 hours prior to and during collection. Avoid levodopa for 2 weeks prior to and during collection. If you are on any of these medications, please consult your doctor prior to discontinuing.

Metanephrines, Total
Avoid caffeine 4 hours prior to and during collection. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors affect test results and should be discontinued at least 1 week prior to beginning collection. If you are taking this medication, please consult your physician prior to discontinuing.

Oxalate
Avoid excessive amounts of vitamin C (more than 2 grams/day) or vitamin C-rich foods for 48 hours prior to and during collection.

Porphyrins, Quantitative
Avoid alcohol 24 hours prior to and during collection. Phenazopyridine, oxytetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, acriflavine, ethoxazene, and tetracycline affect test results and should be discontinued 2-4 weeks prior to and during urine collection. If you are on any of these medications, please consult your doctor prior to discontinuing. Store the urine container away from direct sunlight during the entire collection period.

VMA (Vanillylmandelic Acid)
Anti-hypertensive agents (e.g. alpha-methyldopa) affect test results and should be avoided for 48 hours prior to collection. If you are on this type of medication, please consult your doctor prior to discontinuing.

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Clean Catch, Midstream Urine Collection
Used to test for bladder or kidney infection or kidney problems

Your provider has ordered a test that requires a clean catch, midstream urine specimen.

It is VERY IMPORTANT to collect the urine properly since skin cells, hair and discharge can easily contaminate the sample.

1. A special sterile container will be provided by the clinic or the laboratory .

2.Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

3. Remove the container lid, without touching the inside of the lid or cup.

4. For women,
• Spread your legs as wide as possible while seated on the toilet.
• Use one hand to spread apart your outer vaginal lips.
• Use the disposable wipe to clean the outer part of the vagina. Wipe downward once over the urine opening and then throw the used wipe into the wastebasket.
• Pass a small amount of urine into the toilet BEFORE collecting urine into the cup.
• Avoid having the urine touch your skin and collect enough urine to fill the cup half way up.
• Finish urinating into the toilet
For men,
• Use the disposable wipe to clean head of the penis. Wipe downward once over the urine opening and then throw the used wipe into the wastebasket.
• Pass a small amount of urine into the toilet BEFORE collecting urine into the cup.
• Collect enough urine to fill the cup half way up.
• Finish urinating into the toilet.

5.Replace the lid to prevent leakage, handling only the top of the lid.

6. Be sure your container is labeled with your name and Kaiser Permanente medical record number before you leave the laboratory.

7. Place the specimen cup and laboratory slip, if you have one, through the specimen window in the restroom or return the specimen cup to the front desk, as you were instructed.

8. DO NOT LEAVE THE SPECIMEN IN THE RESTROOM.

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Instructions for Urine Pregnancy Test Specimen Collection

• Pregnancy testing should be done at least one week after your first missed period.
• If your test result is negative and pregnancy is still suspected, a repeat test should be done no sooner than 7 days.
• If the second test is negative and you still have not had a period, contact your provider.

1. A special container will be provided by the clinic or the laboratory.

2. Your first morning urine is preferred. Fill the cup about half full. Replace the lid to prevent leakage.

3. Return the urine specimen to the laboratory receptionist the same day the specimen was collected.

4. Be sure your container is labeled with your name, Kaiser record number, and the sample date and time before leaving the laboratory.

5. Results will be available in 24 hours (one working day) after the specimen was received in the laboratory, Monday through Friday. Results will be available on Monday for specimens received on the weekend.

6. Pregnancy test results are confidential and will only be given to you. Results will not be given to spouses, partners, relatives or friends.

7. To obtain the results of your pregnancy test, you may call the advice nurse. Have your Kaiser Permanente Medical record number ready when you call.

Do not call the lab for test results.

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Instructions for Special Urine Tests

A) AFB Urine Culture (First morning clean-catch, midstream urine is required.)
Used to test for tuberculosis infection in the kidney
1. A special sterile container will be provided by the clinic or the laboratory.

2. When you get up, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

3. Remove the container lid, without touching the inside of the lid or cup.

4. For women,
• Spread your legs as wide as possible while seated on the toilet.
• Use one hand to spread apart your outer vaginal lips.
• Use the disposable wipe to clean the outer part of the vagina. Wipe downward once over the urine opening and then throw the used wipe into the wastebasket.
• Pass a small amount of urine into the toilet BEFORE collecting urine into the cup.
• Avoid having the urine touch your skin and collect enough urine to fill the cup half way up.
• Finish urinating into the toilet
For men,
• Use the disposable wipe to clean head of the penis. Wipe downward once over the urine opening and then throw the used wipe into the wastebasket.
• Pass a small amount of urine into the toilet BEFORE collecting urine into the cup.
• Collect enough urine to fill the cup half way up.
• Finish urinating into the toilet

5. Replace the lid to prevent leakage, handling only the top of the lid. Record date and time of collection on the label.

6. Be sure your container is labeled with your name, Kaiser Permanente medical record number, and the sample date and time before you leave the laboratory.

7. The urine specimen must be refrigerated or packed on ice if it is not going to be delivered to the laboratory within one hour of collection.

8. Return the urine specimen and any slip(s) the doctor gave you to the laboratory receptionist within four hours of collection.

B) Urine Drugs of Abuse and Adulteration panels
1. Do not use an alcohol-containing disposable wipe ( e.g. Rantex Wipes) for cleansing before collecting the urine.

2. Collect urine in the cup provided, filling at least half-full (full cup is preferred).

3. Replace the lid to prevent leakage.

4. Be sure your container is labeled with your name, Kaiser Permanente medical record number, and the sample date and time before you leave the laboratory.

5. Place the specimen cup and laboratory slip, if you have one, through the specimen window in the restroom or return it to the front desk, as you were instructed.

C) Urine Microalbumin (Random Collection) – tests for early damage to your kidneys.
1. Obtain a special container from the clinic or laboratory.

2. Avoid strenuous physical activity or vigorous exercise such as jogging, jumping, or heavy lifting for 24 hours before this test.

3. This test works best if your urine is concentrated (dark yellow). Don’t drink large amounts of water or other liquids for 6-8 hours before giving your urine specimen (unless specified by your provider ).

4. For men: Do not ejaculate for 24 hours before giving a sample.
For women: Do not give a sample during your menstrual period.

5. Pass a small amount of urine into the toilet BEFORE collecting urine into the cup. Fill the cup about half full. Finish urinating into the toilet.

6. Replace the lid tightly to prevent leakage.

7. Be sure your container is labeled with your name, Kaiser Permanente medical record number, and the sample date and time before you leave the laboratory.

8. Return the urine specimen with any slip(s) the provider gave you to the laboratory the same day the specimen was collected.

9. The urine specimen must be refrigerated or packed on ice if it is not going to be delivered to the laboratory within one hour of collection.

D) Urine Microalbumin (First A.M. Collection) – tests for early damage to your kidneys.
If your provider specifically ordered a first A.M. collection, follow these instructions:
1. Obtain a special container from the clinic or laboratory.

2. Avoid strenuous physical activity or vigorous exercise such as jogging, jumping, or heavy lifting for 24 hours before this test.

3. For men: Do not ejaculate for 24 hours before giving a sample.
For women: Do not give a sample during your menstrual period.

4. Empty bladder immediately before going to sleep.

5. Do not drink water or other liquids after 11 p.m. (unless specified by physician ).

6. This test requires a fairly concentrated urine that is passed first thing in the morning. Collect your first void concentrated urine upon arising (Do not collect urine you may pass during the middle of the night.)* in the cup provided. Fill only half-full.

7. Replace the lid to prevent leakage.

8. Be sure the your container is labeled with your name, Kaiser Permanente medical record number, and the sample date and time before leaving the laboratory.

9. Return the urine specimen with any slip(s) the doctor gave you to the laboratory the same day the specimen was collected.

10. The urine specimen must be refrigerated or packed on ice if it is not going to be delivered to the laboratory within one hour of collection.

* NOTE: Follow these instructions for any other eight-hour period to accommodate insomniacs and night-shift workers.