1. Chapter 26 Sample Collection and Handling
Urinalysis Unit 5
Chapter 26
Sample Collection and Handling
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2. Collection Techniques
First step in performing a urinalysis
Proper collection technique
Collect before administration of therapeutic agents
Techniques
Bladder expression
Catheterization
Cystocentesis
Best samples in morning or after several hours of water deprivation
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3. Voided or Free Catch Easiest to collect Limited diagnostic value
Contamination by distal genital tract
Not recommended for bacteriologic examinations
Increased WBC counts
Inflammation in distal tracts
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4. Voided or Free Catch (cont.)
Procedure
A clean but sterile container
If possible clean the vulva or prepuce
Decrease contamination of the sample
Midstream sample is best
Less contamination
But may need to collect early stream to ensure collection
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5. Voided or Free Catch (cont.)
Stimulation
Dogs – ladles or cups on poles
Cats – very difficult
Nonabsorbent granules in litter box
Cattle
Rub straw or hand ventral to the vulva in circular fashion
Sheep
Occlude nostrils
Horses
Warm cloth rubbed on ventral abdomen
Place in a clean stall with fresh hay
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6. Bladder Expression Manual compression Not good for bacterial culturing
Animal standing or in lateral recumbency
Palpate bladder
Gentle but steady pressure
Use care not to rupture bladder
May take a few minutes to relax sphincter muscles
Never done in obstructed urethras
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7. Catheterization
Polypropylene or rubber catheter into bladder via the urethra
Clean external area before procedure
May need sedation
Sterile procedure
Prevent trauma to urinary tract
Lubrication of catheter
Distal end of catheter – syringe
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8. Copyright © 2015 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc
Copyright © 2015 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

9. Catheterization (cont.)
Avoid first portion collected
May have increased RBCs and epithelial cells
4- to 10-Fr polypropylene catheter most commonly used in dogs
Tom Cat catheter 3½ Fr used in male cats
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10. Urinary Catheterization of Male Cat
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11. Urinary Catheterization of Male Dog
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12. Urinary Catheterization of a Female Dog
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13. Cystocentesis Sterile samples
Culture and sensitivity testing
Must have a sufficiently distended bladder
Must palpate bladder before the procedure
Can be done on calm or easily restrained patients
Can use ultrasound as a guide
Can be done standing, or ventral or lateral recumbency
May have RBCs due to insertion of needle
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14. Cystocentesis (cont.) Equipment Never redirect once through the skin
22- or 20-gauge needle
One to 1½ inch
10-ml syringe
Never redirect once through the skin
Could damage internal organs
Gently aspirate
Label!!
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15. Cystocentesis (cont.)
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16. Specimen Storage and Handling
Analyze within 30 minutes to 1 hour
Avoids artifacts and degeneration
If not possible – refrigerate for up to 6 to 12 hours
May affect specific gravity
So try to do this before refrigeration
Tight-fitting lid to prevent evaporation
Crystals form when urine cools
Warm to room temperature before evaluation
Gently mix before evaluation
If not refrigerated
Decreased glucose and bilirubin concentrations
Increased pH
Breakdown of RBCs and casts
Bacteria growth increases
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17. Reference Laboratories
Preserve by adding either:
1 drop of 40% formalin in 1 oz of urine
Run glucose prior
Best preservative
Toluene to form a layer on top of sample
One thymol crystal
1 part 5% phenol to 9 parts urine
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18. Summary Best samples in morning Preferred collection methods
Label samples
Analyze within 30 minutes to 1 hour
If not refrigerate
Warm to room temperature before analyzing
Note method of collection
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