Lab Instructions

MHP Patient Instructions for Urine Collection For Cytology

Urine specimens for cytology are sometimes ordered in groups of 2 to 3. Each specimen must be collected on a separate day and never the first morning void. Do not collect one specimen right after another on a single day.

Container: Urine may be collected in a standard, non-sterile urine cup.

Instructions for collection:

1. Remove cap from specimen container. Do not touch the inner surface of the container or the cap.
2. Females: Labia must be spread apart before urinating.
   Males: Foreskin, if present, must be retracted before urinating.
3. Start urinating into the toilet. Then move the container into the urine stream and collect the sample.
4. Half fill the empty container.
5. Replace lid tightly on the container.
6. Write your name, date, and time collected on the container.
7. Place specimen container inside a zip-lock transport bag and seal the zip-lock.
8. Keep container upright so it does not leak or spill.
9. Immediately refrigerate the specimen.
10. Deliver the specimen to MHP Laboratory within one hour of collection.

Mercy Health Partners Laboratory
Customer Service: (231) 672-6259

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