A routine urine test starts with a urine sample, which the laboratory checks for characteristics such as appearance and for substances or cells that can give your doctor clues about your health. The quality of the sample matters, so confirm the collection steps when you book. If more than one urine test is listed on your referral, ask whether they can use the same sample.

The laboratory may ask for a clean-catch sample, collected in a suitable container after the first part of the urine stream has passed. Ask for collection and storage instructions before taking a sample at home. Tell the team if you had trouble collecting it as instructed. Your doctor will consider the results in context and may request further testing, such as a urine culture, when more information is needed about a possible infection.