Urine Testing Bottles

[thelewisgang]

I have to give a urine sample at my doctors tomorrow for CRP, UE, LFT & URA & have been given a bottle with a white top. Just looking at the paperwork the doctor gave me it says "brown top bottle required". Does this make a difference if I've given the wrong type of bottle? Thanks

[tonyav]

If I were you I'd inform the person on reception when you take your sample in.

[Jackdaw33]

I should not have thought so. Merely present the paperwork and ask them to decant it into the correct type of bottle, adding that any complications resulting from this error will lead to a claim for medical negligence.

[Buenchico]

Are you sure that 'brown top' doesn't refer to a blood sample that you'll also be required to provide? Here are the full requirements of our local pathology lab, with top colours only being relevant for blood (and not for urine):
http://www2.ipswichhospital.net/microsites/pathology/Handbook/SampleRequirements13.pdf
The only requirement for urine is that the container provided is one with boric acid inside it (to act as a preservative).

[thelewisgang]

thanks for your replies. No, the paperwork is definitely for a urine test, not bloods. I will query it when I take it in tomorrow.

[thelewisgang]

just to add, this bottle does not have boric acid inside, it is just a clear plastic urine sample bottle

[Buenchico]

Interesting. Maybe it's a local thing. Gloucestershire NHS uses red top bottles (with boric acid) for most things and white top ones (without boric acid) for everything else. Not a brown top in sight!
http://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/SharePoint11/Pathology%20Web%20Documents/Microbiology/Boric%20Acid%20Guidance.pdf

[Mamyalynne]

Are you simply handing the sample in or seeing someone?

If so,they may indeed need a blood sample too,hence the 'Brown top bottle request'.

[thelewisgang]

I am having blood taken too but have two separate forms. The urine test form clearly states URINE SAMPLE BROWN TOP BOTTLE REQUIRED. I will speak to them at the surgery tomorrow. thanks

[Mamyalynne]

Ok,am sure they've got it sorted.

[thelewisgang]

thanks

[woofgang]

can I suggest that you go in with a bit in your bladder in case there is some reason why they can't decant it from the bottle that you have?

[thelewisgang]

good point woofgang but this is unlikely to happen I'm afraid. I'm having these tests done due to my inability to pass much urine in the last few days. Doc examined me this morning & appears from the tenderness I have my bladder is not working properly at all hence the reason for the urgent urine & blood tests

[Mamyalynne]

Hope they get you some answers and more importantly some solutions very soon.

[Canary42]

Amazing - some clinics don't even know how to take the ***.

Sounds like a jobsworth involved somewhere - use the white bottle and follow Jackdaw's advice IMHO.

[thelewisgang]

so do I, Mamyalynne. The amount I have been drinking in the last few days (yes, lots of clear fluids as well as tea/coffee) I should be going for a wee most of the day but I am not & obviously I am concerned about it. If the urine/bloods return ok then I've been told a scan will be carried out to try to determine the problem. thanks again

[Mamyalynne]

Do let us know how you get on.

[thelewisgang]

Thanks. I certainly will x

[Old_Geezer]

Do you have any brown paint ?

[thelewisgang]

Lol. Unfortunately not

[murraymints]

and I am the oppo..can't stop weeing...up every 90mins through night...nobody knows why..consultant urologist..scans...etc....just have to live with it as the pills I was given had horrendous side effects....hope you get sorted soon