Urology department
24-hour urine collection for
patients with kidney stones
Information for patients, relatives and carers
Introduction
This leaflet explains what a 24-hour urine collection involves and provides instructions on how
to collect your urine. If you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to your doctor
or nurse in the clinic.
What is 24-hour urine collection?
It is a test that involves collecting urine in special containers for two 24-hour periods. This
means that you will need to collect urine on two separate but consecutive days (one after
another).
The two containers for collecting urine are different; the container for day one has acid in it (as a
preservative) and is marked with a pink corrosive sign (the container on the right in the picture
above). Please do not empty the contents before using the container.
The second container for day two is empty and has red writing on it (left in the picture above).
Why do I need to have this test?
This test can help us understand why your kidneys form stones and how you can help prevent
stones in future.
How should I prepare for the collection?
When handling the containers, please take the following precautions:

keep the containers away from children

keep the containers upright at all times as the one with acid may leak and cause irritation
to your skin. If this happens, wash the area with plenty of cold water. Please tell your
community doctor if the skin irritation does not get better. If the containers leak please
ask us for a replacement

do not empty the containers

make sure that the lids on the containers are kept tight shut

keep the containers in a cool and dark place
Please eat and drink as normal while collecting your urine for this test. You do not have
to drink more liquids or change your diet in any way.
Checklist: what do I need for the 24-hour urine collection?
1. One 24-hour urine container with acid preservative (with a pink corrosive sign).
2. One 24-hour urine container without acid preservative (with red writing).
3. A plastic jug (you will have to buy this).
4. A copy of this leaflet.
How do I collect the urine?
The two containers we give you for this test hold five litres of urine. Please do not use your own
bottle.
Day one:

in the morning, empty your bladder as normal into the toilet

all the urine you pass for the next 24 hours must be collected in the container with
acid (with the pink corrosive label). Use a plastic jug each time you pass urine, and
then pour the urine into the container. Do not pass urine directly into the collection
container
Day two:

in the morning, empty your bladder into the jug and pour the urine into the container
with acid (with the pink corrosive label). Write your name, hospital number and the
date/time that you started and finished this collection on the label attached to the
container. Store this container as advised above

now you need to use the second bottle. All the urine you pass for the next 24 hours
should be collected in the container without acid (with red writing on it)

on the morning of the third day, empty your bladder into the jug and pour it into the
container without acid
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
the urine collection is complete. Write your name, hospital number and the date/time that
you started and finished this collection on the label attached to the container. Writing this
information is essential and ensures that the results are accurate
Keep the containers in a cool, dark place in between the time that you pass urine. Do not worry
if you do not fill the containers – the amount of urine passed is different for each person.
What happens after the 24-hour urine collection?
After you have completed the collection, you will need to bring both containers to the specimen
collection desk in the east wing, first floor of Charing Cross Hospital or ……………………………
………………………………St Mary’s Hospital.
Please bring both containers as the urine collected must be tested at the same time.
When will I get my results?
Your consultant will discuss the results with you at your next outpatient clinic appointment.
How do I make a comment about my visit?
Please either speak to a member of staff or contact the patient advice and liaison service
(PALS) on 020 3313 0088 (Charing Cross Hospital) or 020 3312 7777 (St Mary’s Hospital).
You can also email PALS at [email protected]. The PALS team will listen to your concerns,
suggestions or queries and is often able to help solve problems on your behalf. Alternatively,
you may wish to express your concerns in writing to: Complaints department, fourth floor,
Salton House, St Mary’s Hospital, Praed Street, London W2 1NY.
Alternative formats
This leaflet can be provided on request in large print, as a sound recording, in Braille, or in
alternative languages. Please contact the communications team on 020 3312 5592.
We have a free and premium wi-fi service at each of our five hospitals. For further information
please visit our website: www.imperial.nhs.uk
With thanks to Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust for kind permission to use
and adapt this information leaflet.
Urology department
Published: April 2016
Review date: May 2017
Reference no: 2613v1
© Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
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