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laboratory services

Laboratory Services


Phone: 603-663-3555


Home Help for Specimen Collections


Urine Collection for Urinalysis or Culture

The clean catch is the preferred method for collection of urine for urinalysis or culture.


Specimen Handling:

  • Urine specimen should be brought to the laboratory immediately after collection or placed in a refrigerator to prevent specimen deterioration and altered test results

  • If refrigerated the entire time, specimen is testable for 24 hours.

  • Label the container with your Last Name, First Name, Date of Birth, Date and Time of Collection, Physician Name.

  • Deliver the specimen to anyone of our Patient Care Centers along with any paperwork your physician may have given to you.

  • You will first need to register so please do not drop off your specimen and leave.

Directions For Male Patients:

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, rinse and dry them on a disposable paper towel.

  • Retract the foreskin completely. Cleanse the tip of the penis with towelettes.

  • Open container, careful not to touch the inside or the rim of the container.

  • Begin to urinate into toilet. Void approximately 20-25 ml or (½ ounce), then stop the stream and catch the middle portion of the urine in the container.

  • Screw the cap tightly onto the container.

  • Place container in the specimen bag.

  • Label the container immediately with last name, first name, date of birth, date and time of collection, physician name and transport to the laboratory along with the doctor's order.

  • You will need to register with admissions for proper billing.

Directions For Female Patients:

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, rinse and dry them on disposable paper towel.

  • Open towelettes and the container, careful not to touch the rim or inside of the container.

  • To cleanse the periurethral area (labial folds, vulva, urethral meatus) spread the labia with one hand, wipe the area three times front to back, each time with a fresh towelette: one- right side / two- left side / three- down the middle. Discard the towelettes after each cleansing.

  • Begin to urinate into the toilet. Void approximately 20-25 ml (½ ounce) then stop the stream and catch the middle portion of the urine in the container. Do not touch the legs, vulva or clothing with the cup.

  • Screw the cap tightly onto the container.

  • Place container in the specimen bag.

  • Label the container immediately with your last name, first name, date of birth, date and time of collection, physician name and transport to the laboratory along with the doctor's order.

  • You will need to register with admissions for proper billing.


24 Hour Urine Collection:

Specimen Handling:

  • Your doctor has ordered a 24-hour urine collection for testing

  • You will be given a large collection jug. Upon request, a “toilet hat” can be used to assist in the collection. This hat is placed between the toilet seat and the rim.

  • Label the container with your Last Name, First Name, Date of Birth, Date and Time of Collection, Physician Name.

  • The sample should be kept cold during collection. You may place the container in an iced – bucket or cooler.

  • Deliver the specimen to any one of our Patient Care Centers along with any paperwork your physician may have given to you.

  • You will first need to register so please do not drop off your specimen and leave.

To Start:

  • Collect every drop of your urine produced during a 24-hour period.

  • Begin the collection in the morning or at a time specified by your physician.

  • At that specified time, pass your 1st urine, flush it down the toilet, and note the exact time.

  • Thereafter, collect every single drop of urine during the day and night.

  • The very next morning, exactly 24 hours from the start time, you should empty your bladder and add that urine to the collection jug. The collection is now complete.

  • There should be no more than a 5 to 10 minute variation between the start and stop time.

  • If you find that you must urinate an hour or so before the designated stop time, go ahead and do so and add the collection jug. Then drink a full glass of water so that you can urinate again one last time at the designated stop time.

  • Deliver the sample to the laboratory within 24 hours for testing.

  • You will need to register with admissions for proper billing.


Colon Cancer Screening: Fit Test (IFOB)

Patient Instructions:

Spec 01
  • Label collection buffer tube with full name, date of birth, and date of collection.

  • Use collection paper inside the kit or the white hat provided to collect bowel movement sample.

  • Unscrew the top of the collection buffer tube and remove the applicator stick.

    • Ifob Collection
  • Poke spiral applicator into the stool at six different sites. Use only enough feces to cover the tip of the applicator. Do not clump, scoop or fill the tube.

  • Screw the applicator back into the collection tube and close tightly.

  • Complete information requested on the patient return form.

  • Insert the collection tube along with the completed form into the foil envelope and seal tightly.
  • Return to your providers office, a convenient Elliot Laboratory draw station, or Elliot Laboratory located at 1 Elliot Way, Manchester, NH

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE COLLECTION OF SEMEN SPECIMENS FOR SEMEN ANALYSIS

Your doctor has requested that the following test be completed. In order to perform an accurate test, it is important that you follow these instructions carefully.

1. Testing Availability:
Please call 603-663-3555 to schedule the test. All samples must be brought to the Elliot Hospital Laboratory Client Services Department on the ground level. The laboratory accepts semen specimens Monday through Friday from 7:00 to 11:00 AM. This testing is not done on weekends, holidays or hours other than those specified. Note: The laboratory only accepts specimens that have a scheduled appointment.

2. Specimen Collection:
The specimen should be obtained by masturbating directly into a sterile, hard plastic or glass container. Do not ejaculate into a condom, engage in sexual intercourse, or use soap or lubricant to provide the semen specimen. The entire ejaculate must be collected.

3. Period of Abstinence:
You should abstain from any sexual activity for 2 days prior to the test, but no longer than 5 days prior to the test. You should avoid hot tubs, saunas and whirlpools for 2 weeks prior to the test. Ideally, you should not be on any medications for 1 week prior to the test. If you are on any medication you should discuss this with your provider.

4. Specimen Transport:
The specimen should be maintained at or near body temperature by keeping the specimen close to your body and delivered to the laboratory within 1 hour after collection. Please label the container with your name, date of birth, and date and time of collection. Note: Unlabeled specimens will be rejected.

Click the image below or click here for a printable form.
Spec Form