How to submit a dog's urine sample? - briefly
To collect your dog's urine sample, use a clean container, preferably one provided by your veterinarian. Gently place the container under your dog's hindquarters as they begin to urinate, ensuring you capture at least 10-15 milliliters of urine.
How to submit a dog's urine sample? - in detail
Submitting a dog's urine sample for analysis involves several steps to ensure that the specimen is collected, stored, and transported correctly. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:
First, gather the necessary materials. You will need a clean, sterile container with a tight-fitting lid, such as a plastic bottle or a glass jar with a screw-on cap. It is also advisable to have some cotton swabs and paper towels for cleaning purposes.
Next, prepare your dog for the collection process. Ensure that your dog is well-hydrated by providing access to fresh water. This will help stimulate urine production. Avoid giving your dog any medications or supplements that could interfere with the test results unless instructed otherwise by your veterinarian.
To collect the urine sample, you can use one of two methods: free catch or cystocentesis. The free catch method involves waiting for your dog to urinate naturally and collecting the urine in midstream using the sterile container. To do this, hold the container close to your dog's genital area and gently guide the stream into the container. Ensure that you collect at least 10-20 milliliters of urine for adequate testing.
If free catch is not feasible or if your veterinarian requires a sterile sample, cystocentesis may be performed. This procedure involves using a needle to extract urine directly from the bladder. It should only be done by a trained professional, such as a veterinarian or veterinary technician, to minimize the risk of infection and ensure proper collection.
Once you have collected the urine sample, it is essential to label the container with your dog's name, age, breed, and any relevant medical history. This information will help the laboratory personnel identify and process the sample accurately.
After labeling, store the sample properly. Urine samples should be kept at room temperature if they are to be submitted within 24 hours. If a longer storage time is required, refrigerate the sample at a temperature between 39°F to 46°F (4°C to 8°C). Do not freeze the urine sample, as this can alter its composition and affect test results.
When transporting the urine sample to the laboratory or veterinary clinic, handle it with care to prevent contamination or leakage. Place the container in a sealed plastic bag and wrap it in paper towels for added protection. Transport the sample promptly to minimize any changes that could occur due to temperature fluctuations or prolonged storage.
By following these detailed steps, you can ensure that your dog's urine sample is collected, stored, and transported correctly, facilitating accurate analysis and diagnosis by the veterinary team.