Urinprov

A urinprov, or urine sample, is a specimen collected for laboratory analysis. It is used to diagnose urinary tract and kidney conditions, monitor health, and guide treatment. Urine is normally sterile in the bladder, but can be contaminated after voiding, so collection methods aim to minimize contamination.

Common tests include urinalysis (physical, chemical, and microscopic examination); urine culture to detect infection; pregnancy tests that detect hCG; drug screening; and measurements such as glucose, protein, creatinine, ketones, and bilirubin. A 24-hour urine collection may be used to assess daily excretion of substances.

Collection methods include random or first-morning samples, clean-catch midstream collection to reduce contamination, catheterized samples, or suprapubic aspiration in certain cases. For a 24-hour collection, the first urine is discarded, and all urine is collected for 24 hours, stored refrigerated or on ice.

Handling and analysis: specimens are labeled and transported to a laboratory. Urinalysis uses dipsticks and microscopy; cultures use selective media; and chemical tests quantify substances. Timeliness and storage affect results, and some tests require timing relative to meals or medications.

Interpretation and limitations: results must be interpreted with clinical context. Contamination, dehydration, recent exercise, medications, or improper collection can affect results. Some conditions yield normal urinalysis despite disease, and false positives or negatives can occur.

Safety and privacy: urine samples are handled with standard precautions to prevent exposure to infectious material. Results and specimen data are subject to patient confidentiality and consent requirements.