Taking a urine sample Urine samples may be requested in the form of a random specimen, a first morning specimen, or a timed collection. To collect a urine sample, mark a sterile, screw-top jar with your name, birth date, and the date. Mix one 0.5- to 1-ounce aliquot of sodium fluoride solution with each specimen; add 5 ml of distilled water for each 10 ml of urine collected. Place all specimens in a refrigerator until they are transported to the laboratory. All urine samples should be handled according to guidelines set by agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These guidelines include: preventing contamination of the sample with skin or surface material; ensuring that the person providing the sample is not pregnant; and informing the person providing the sample about other medications they may be taking. The health care provider collecting the sample should wear disposable gloves when obtaining more than one sample from an individual patient, and these items should be disposed of in a closed trash can after use. In addition to preventing infection, it is important to ensure that the sample is actually urine. If the sample is blood, it should be discarded. Also, make sure there are no visible signs of contamination in the sample, such as with bacteria or chemicals. Finally, ask the person providing the sample if they have eaten or drank anything during the last hour before giving the sample.