South West London Pathology (SWLP) is introducing the SARSTEDT urine monovette collection system for all biochemistry urine samples. This collection method will replace the white universal tube, which is currently used for biochemistry urine samples.
Introduction of the new urine collection devices will reduce the risk of contamination in urine samples. It will also result in faster reporting times for biochemistry tests.
A poster has been produced which shows the tubes for each test.
Urine test tubes poster (EXTERNAL PDF LINK)
Instructions on using the Starstedt urine monovette collection system
To help you use the new tubes, instruction leaflets and an instructional video are available.
Instruction leaflet: SARSTEDT urine monovette collection system (EXTERNAL PDF LINK)
Instruction leaflet: SARSTEDT boric acid urine monovette collection system (C-peptide only) (EXTERNAL PDF LINK)
Instruction leaflet: Urine Collection from Urinary Catheter (EXTERNAL PDF LINK)
Urine collection: Instruction for hygenic urine collection with the Urine Monovette® - YouTube
Instructions are also available in a variety of languages. They can be printed from TQuest at the point of contact with the patient.
The new collection devices
The patient will be given the correct urine monovette (boric acid for C-peptide and standard for all other tests). The patient or Healthcare professional will use the monovette tube to collect the urine from a cup and will return it to the healthcare professional. Patients can be provided with guidance on how to use the monovettes, which will be shared with healthcare professionals.
Please note:
It is important that tubes are not filled past the fill line, or they cannot be processed.
The plunger must be fully retracted before being snapped off.
The tubes must be appropriately barcode labelled before being sent to the laboratory.