If you're menstruating, it's generally recommended to wait until after your period has ended before collecting a urine sample.
Here's a breakdown of why and some additional considerations:
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Accuracy: Menstrual blood can contaminate the urine sample, potentially affecting the test results. This is especially true for tests looking for specific substances or levels in the urine.
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Creatinine Clearance Test Exception: According to the reference material, if you are collecting your urine for a Creatinine Clearance test, a blood sample will be drawn when you drop off your urine sample. This suggests that while timing around menstruation might still be ideal, the blood sample helps provide necessary context for accurate interpretation even if trace amounts of blood are present in the urine.
Practical advice:
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Schedule: Try to schedule your urine test for a time outside of your menstrual period.
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Inform your doctor: If you are menstruating and it's impossible to reschedule, inform your doctor or the lab technician before providing the sample. They can advise on the best course of action, which may involve adjusting the interpretation of results or using a special collection technique.
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Collection Technique (if unavoidable during menstruation): While waiting is best, if you must provide a sample during your period:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Clean the area around your urethra with a clean wipe, moving from front to back.
- Begin urinating into the toilet.
- Mid-stream, collect the urine sample in the provided container.
- Finish urinating into the toilet.
