National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Medical Assistant Practice Test

How should a 24-hour urine specimen be stored during collection?

1. At room temperature

2. In a refrigerator

3. In a freezer

4. In a dark cabinet

The correct answer is: In a refrigerator

A 24-hour urine specimen should be stored in a refrigerator during the collection process. This storage method is crucial because it helps to preserve the integrity of the sample and minimizes the risk of bacterial growth, degradation of analytes, and other chemical changes that can occur at higher temperatures. By keeping the specimen cool, it ensures accurate measurement of the components being analyzed, such as electrolytes, hormones, and metabolites. Room temperature could allow for these changes to occur, potentially compromising the results. Freezing might not be ideal as it can cause the urine to become too concentrated or affect the solubility of substances present. A dark cabinet does not provide the necessary cooling to preserve the specimen adequately. Storing the 24-hour urine specimen in a refrigerator is a standard practice in clinical settings to ensure that diagnostic tests yield reliable and valid results.