Question 1

What is Contamination?

Accepted Answer

Urine sample contamination occurs when foreign substances like skin cells or vaginal secretions mix with the urine specimen during collection. It is caused by improper collection technique or inadequate cleansing before sample collection. The Urinalysis Complete Profile is the most important test for detecting contamination through identification of squamous epithelial cells in the specimen.

Question 2

What causes urine sample contamination?

Accepted Answer

Urine sample contamination is caused by skin cells, vaginal secretions, or other external substances entering the specimen during collection. This typically happens when proper cleansing procedures are not followed before collecting the sample, or when the collection cup touches the skin or genital area during urination. Contamination can also occur from collecting the initial urine stream rather than midstream, which naturally flushes away surface contaminants before the sample is captured.

Question 3

What is the best test for urine sample contamination?

Accepted Answer

The Urinalysis Complete Profile is the most important test for detecting urine sample contamination because it identifies the presence of squamous epithelial cells in abnormally high numbers. These flat skin cells appear in the microscopic examination portion of the urinalysis and serve as clear indicators that external substances have entered the specimen. When large numbers of squamous epithelial cells are detected, it signals that skin cells or vaginal secretions have contaminated the sample, prompting healthcare providers to request a new specimen using proper collection technique to ensure accurate diagnostic results.

Question 4

When should I get tested for urine sample contamination?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested whenever your healthcare provider orders a urinalysis for any diagnostic purpose, as contamination detection is a standard part of quality control. If a previous urine test showed contamination, you will need to provide a new sample using proper midstream collection technique. You should also request guidance on collection procedures if you have difficulty obtaining a clean sample, have concerns about previous test accuracy, or are preparing for urinalysis as part of infection screening, kidney function monitoring, or metabolic disorder evaluation.

Question 5

What are the signs of urine sample contamination?

Accepted Answer

Urine sample contamination is detected through laboratory analysis rather than visible signs, specifically through microscopic identification of numerous squamous epithelial cells in the specimen. Laboratory technicians examine the cellular components of urine under a microscope and count the types and numbers of cells present. While contamination itself has no physical symptoms since it is a collection issue rather than a medical condition, the laboratory will note contamination on the test report, which may prompt your healthcare provider to request a recollection using proper technique to obtain accurate diagnostic results.

Question 6

Who is at risk for urine sample contamination?

Accepted Answer

Anyone providing a urine sample is at risk for contamination if proper collection technique is not followed. Women have a higher risk due to anatomical factors that make it easier for vaginal secretions and skin cells from the labia to enter the specimen cup. People who are not given clear instructions on midstream collection technique, those who do not perform adequate cleansing before collection, and individuals collecting samples at home without supervision are also at increased risk. Children, elderly individuals, and people with mobility limitations may have difficulty following proper collection procedures, making contamination more likely.

Question 7

What happens if urine sample contamination is not addressed?

Accepted Answer

If urine sample contamination is not identified and addressed, it can lead to inaccurate test results that may cause misdiagnosis or unnecessary medical interventions. Contaminated samples may show false-positive results for bacteria, white blood cells, or other substances that appear to indicate infection or disease when none exists. This could result in inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions, additional unnecessary testing, or delayed diagnosis of actual medical conditions because the contaminated results obscure the true picture of your health. Identifying contamination through proper laboratory analysis ensures you receive accurate diagnostic information.

Question 8

Can urine sample contamination be detected with a test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, urine sample contamination can be detected through laboratory urinalysis, specifically through microscopic examination of the specimen. Laboratory technicians examine the urine under a microscope to count and identify different types of cells present in the sample. Large numbers of squamous epithelial cells, which are flat skin cells, serve as the primary indicator of contamination. These cells originate from the skin surface, vaginal wall, or urethral opening rather than from the urinary tract itself, making their presence in high numbers a clear sign that external substances have mixed with the specimen during collection.

Question 9

How is urine sample contamination addressed?

Accepted Answer

Urine sample contamination is addressed by recollecting a new specimen using proper midstream collection technique. Healthcare providers will give you specific instructions on how to cleanse the genital area before collection, how to begin urinating into the toilet first, and then how to collect the midstream portion without stopping the urine flow. For women, proper technique involves separating the labia and cleansing front to back, while men should retract the foreskin if uncircumcised and cleanse the tip of the penis. Following these instructions carefully and avoiding contact between the collection cup and your skin ensures a clean, uncontaminated sample for accurate testing.

Question 10

How can I prevent urine sample contamination?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent urine sample contamination by following proper midstream collection technique every time you provide a specimen. Start by washing your hands thoroughly, then cleanse your genital area with the provided wipes using front-to-back motions. Begin urinating into the toilet for a few seconds to flush away surface contaminants, then without stopping the flow, position the collection cup to catch the midstream portion. Avoid touching the inside of the cup or letting the cup touch your skin or genital area. Women should hold the labia apart during collection, and men should retract the foreskin if necessary, keeping the collection cup several inches away from the body.

Question 11

What can I do at home to ensure a clean urine sample?

Accepted Answer

At home, you can ensure a clean urine sample by preparing properly before collection and following midstream technique carefully. Drink adequate fluids beforehand so you can provide a sufficient sample without straining. Wash your hands with soap and water before handling the collection container. Use the cleansing wipes provided in the collection kit to clean your genital area thoroughly, or use mild soap and water if wipes are not available. Practice the midstream technique by urinating briefly into the toilet first, then catching the middle portion of your stream in the sterile container without stopping. Keep the container away from direct contact with your body, seal it immediately after collection, and refrigerate or deliver it to the laboratory according to the instructions provided.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
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                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
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            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Urine Sample Contamination Test

What is Contamination?

What causes urine sample contamination?

What is the best test for urine sample contamination?

When should I get tested for urine sample contamination?

References

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