Urine tests

Dear Ask The Doctor: I had to go to the doctor to get a urine test to test for a bladder infection. Because the sample was to be a 'morning sample' (undiluted) I urinated in a cup in the morning but then was not able to bring the sample to the doctor until a couple hours later. Could this time lapse have enabled the bacteria to 'die' (i.e. rendered the test inaccurate) or will this test be accurate?

Dear Karen: Hello, I understand your doubt about your urine sample. I agree with you that the first morning voided urine is the best specimen due to the increased bacterial count after overnight incubation in the bladder. However it is recommended to transport the urine as soon as possible to the laboratory for its analysis. According to the laboratory manual, if transport will be delayed more than 2 hours, you should refrigerate urine specimen. Refrigerate specimens are acceptable for up to 24 hours after collection.Since you said that it took you around 2 hours to deliver the urine sample since the urine collection, there might be a small possibility of having to take the test again. Your lab results could be inaccurate. If you were a special container with a grey top, you dont have to worry since this container has a preservative in it. On the other hand if you used a regular container, another urine sample might be requested if the findings are unusual. I hope I cleared your doubt.