What happens if a urine specimen remains on the counter for a long time?

What happens if a urine specimen remains on the counter for a long time?

• A. Urine remains constant
• B. Bacteria multiply
• C. pH becomes acidic
• D. Glycosuria begins

Answer: (B)

When urine sits on the counter, bacteria have a warm, nutrient-rich environment in which to multiply. This growth changes the specimen and can make urinalysis results unreliable. For example, bacteria that produce urease raise the urine pH by converting urea to ammonia, making the sample more alkaline rather than acidic. Glycosuria wouldn’t newly appear just from standing still; in fact, bacteria often consume glucose, which can alter glucose readings instead of creating new glycosuria. Because microbial growth alters composition and can introduce artifacts, the best description of what happens is that bacteria multiply.

When urine sits on the counter, bacteria have a warm, nutrient-rich environment in which to multiply. This growth changes the specimen and can make urinalysis results unreliable. For example, bacteria that produce urease raise the urine pH by converting urea to ammonia, making the sample more alkaline rather than acidic. Glycosuria wouldn’t newly appear just from standing still; in fact, bacteria often consume glucose, which can alter glucose readings instead of creating new glycosuria. Because microbial growth alters composition and can introduce artifacts, the best description of what happens is that bacteria multiply.