Health Services

Sample Collection Instructions

In order to ensure the best possible quality of laboratory testing, we ask that you follow these instructions when collecting samples for analysis.

If you have any questions, please call 210-916-5758.

*Please read all instructions first before collecting*

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 Collection of 24 Hour Urine Specimens
  1. During the 24 hour period of collection, do not drink any alcoholic beverages.
  2. On the first day, upon waking up, void your first urine into the toilet and not into the 24 hour collection container. Write the date and time you urinated into the toilet in the space provided on the 24 hour collection container.
  3. For the next 24 hours urinate each void into the provided container. Please refrigerate your urine between voids. Please do not deviate from this because it will affect the results of your test.
  4. Your last void should be in the morning of the second day, when you wake up. This void should be in the 24 hour urine container. Write the date and time of this final void in the space provided on the 24 hour collection container.
  5. Return the 24 hour urine container to the laboratory on the 4th floor, room 429-8 as soon as possible. The 4th floor laboratory is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week for drop-off only.
 Collection of Stool Samples for Culture
  1. The stool sample must not touch water or urine or toilet paper. Please use the specimen collection device provided (commonly referred to as a "hat"), following all instructions on the device.
  2. After stool collection open the "Kendall" cup. Do not touch the inside of the cup. Using the stick(s) provided select a portion of the stool sample that appears to have mucus, or is darkened, or bloody. Using the stick(s) place a portion of the stool sample into the "Kendall" cup approximately the size of a quarter. If the stool is watery, poor approximately 1 oz from the "hat" into the cup (markings are on the side of the cup).
  3. Tightly seal the container and place into the plastic bag provided.
  4. Discard the remaining stool left in the collection device ("hat") into the toilet.
  5. Return these containers to the laboratory on the 4th floor, room 429-8 within 1 hour. The 4th floor laboratory is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week for drop-off only.
 Collection of Stool Samples for Parasitology (Para-Pak system)
  1. The stool sample must not touch water or urine or toilet paper. Please use the specimen collection device provided (commonly referred to as a "hat"), following all instructions on the device.
  2. After stool collection open the container labeled "Para-Pak 10% Buffered Neutral Formalin." You will find a spoon attached to the lid. Using this spoon, scoop a portion of the stool sample which appears bloody or contains mucus (if present). Repeat placing enough stool sample in the container so that the fluid level rises to the red line on the front of the container. Mix the fluid with the stool sample.
  3. Repeat step 2 using the container labeled "Para-Pak LV-PVA Fixative."
  4. Please fill out the patient information on the labels on both the containers.
  5. Place the containers in the provided plastic bag and zip-lock.
  6. Store these samples at room temperature until you are able to return them to BAMC.
  7. Discard the remaining stool left in the collection device ("hat") into the toilet.
  8. Return these containers to the laboratory on the 4th floor, room 429-8 as soon as possible. The 4th floor laboratory is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week for drop-off only.
 Collection of Sputum Samples for Analysis
  1. Upon waking up in the morning, brush your teeth. Be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly with plenty of water. Residual toothpaste may harm the quality of the sample.
  2. Inhale so as to obtain a good cough.
  3. Try to cough the phlegm into the provided container without allowing the phlegm to sit inside your mouth. This is best performed while coughing in the face down position.
  4. Seal the container and place it into the plastic bag provided.
  5. Return the container to the laboratory on the 4th floor, room 429-8 as soon as possible. The 4th floor laboratory is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week for drop-off only.
Don’t forget to keep your family’s information up to date in DEERS!