If urinalysis is delayed more than 1 hour after the specimen is collected,the specimen should be:

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Urine should be capped and refrigerated if the urinalysis is delayed more than 1 hour after the specimen is collected. Refrigeration helps slow down bacterial growth which can alter the urinalysis results. Discarding the specimen may not be feasible in certain situations, as there may not be enough urine to recollect. Sending the specimen to a special laboratory may not be necessary unless specific testing needs to be performed that cannot be completed in a routine urinalysis. Analyzing the specimen as soon as possible may not be feasible or accurate if the delay has been significant, as bacterial growth and cellular breakdown may have occurred.

If Urinalysis Is Delayed More Than 1 Hour After the Specimen