Laboratory recommendations
This includes: urinalysis, the Nechiporenko test, the Zimnitsky test, urine biochemistry and urine PCR tests for children.
Strict observance of personal hygiene requirements is essential for accurate results.
Main requirements
- Hygiene: before collecting urine, thoroughly wash the external genital area with warm running water, moving from the perineum towards the anus. Antiseptics, potassium permanganate and specialised intimate hygiene products must not be used.
- Container: collect the sample only in a special sterile plastic container purchased from the laboratory (УС.003) or a pharmacy. Household containers, reused containers and glass containers are not allowed.
- Menstruation: women are advised not to provide a urine sample during menstruation.
Collection requirements by test
Urinalysis (ОК.001) and paediatric PCR (ПЦМ group): collect a midstream sample of morning urine that has accumulated overnight. Pass a small initial amount into the toilet, collect the midstream portion (50–100 ml) in the sterile container, then pass the remainder into the toilet.
Nechiporenko urine test (ОК.003): collect strictly a midstream sample of the first morning urine using the same method (the first 2 seconds into the toilet, the middle portion into the container, then the rest into the toilet). A volume of 20–30 ml is sufficient.
24-hour proteinuria / glucose in 24-hour urine (ОК.033, ОК.031): collect urine over exactly 24 hours. Discard the first morning urine at 6:00 (pass it into the toilet). Collect every subsequent portion during the day and night, including the first morning portion the following day, in one large closed container (2–3 litres), kept in the refrigerator (+4…+8°C). When collection is complete, measure and record the exact total urine volume (urine output), mix all the urine, then pour about 50 ml into a small container for delivery to the laboratory.
Zimnitsky urine test (ОК.002): collect urine throughout the day at 3-hour intervals according to a strict schedule, in 8 separate containers.
Instructions for the Zimnitsky test:
- At 06:00, the patient urinates into the toilet (this portion is discarded).
- Thereafter, collect all urine every 3 hours in separate containers: No. 1 (06:00–09:00), No. 2 (09:00–12:00), No. 3 (12:00–15:00), No. 4 (15:00–18:00), No. 5 (18:00–21:00), No. 6 (21:00–00:00), No. 7 (00:00–03:00), No. 8 (03:00–06:00 the following day).
- If there is no urination during a 3-hour period, submit the container EMPTY (do not omit any containers). If there is too much urine, use an additional container for that interval; do not discard the urine into the toilet.
- Record the total amount of fluid consumed over the 24 hours. Keep all containers in the refrigerator (+4…+8°C).