How long can urine be stored for a dog's analysis? - briefly
Urine samples collected from dogs for analysis should ideally be refrigerated and used within 24 hours of collection to ensure accurate results. Prolonged storage beyond this period can lead to degradation of certain compounds, potentially affecting the reliability of test outcomes.
How long can urine be stored for a dog's analysis? - in detail
The duration for which canine urine can be stored before analysis is dependent on several factors, including the type of test being conducted and the specific components being analyzed. Generally, urine samples from dogs can be stored under various conditions for different periods, optimizing the preservation of key analytes such as proteins, hormones, and metabolites.
For routine urinalysis, which typically involves evaluating physical properties like color, clarity, specific gravity, pH, and the presence of cells or casts, refrigerated storage at 4°C (39-41°F) is recommended. Under these conditions, samples can be stored for up to 24 hours without significant degradation of the analytes. Beyond this period, some components may start to break down or change, potentially affecting the accuracy of the results.
If the analysis requires more stable preservation, particularly for biochemical tests or hormone measurements, additional steps are necessary. Adding a preservative such as boric acid can extend the storage life up to 48-72 hours at room temperature (around 20°C or 68°F). This method is often used in field studies or when immediate refrigeration is not feasible.
For long-term storage, freezing at -20°C (-4°F) is the preferred method. Urine samples frozen under these conditions can be stored for several months to a year, depending on the specific analyte. However, it's crucial to note that repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided as they can degrade certain components and affect test results.
In summary, the storage duration for canine urine samples varies based on the type of analysis and storage conditions. Routine urinalysis samples can be stored refrigerated for up to 24 hours, while adding a preservative extends this period to 48-72 hours at room temperature. For long-term storage, freezing at -20°C is ideal, allowing samples to be preserved for several months or even a year.