Pathology tests database

Sample and container requirements

Plain Spot Urine Plain 24 hr Urine

Minimum volume required

20 mL urine

Special requirements

Sample preparation and transport: A 24hr urine collection allows calculation of daily steroid excretion rates and provides a reliable overview of relative proportions; an untimed sample is informative for identification of inborn errors of steroid metabolism and steroid secreting tumours, but relative proportions require more cautious interpretation. Send a 20 mL portion in a plastic-capped universal container. Results can usually be obtained on smaller samples if required. We do not specify a lower volume limit. Samples can be stored before dispatch at 4°C for short periods of time or frozen if stored for longer. Preservatives, with the exception of merthiolate, should be avoided. When investigating suspected inborn errors of steroid metabolism in newborns, it is important to make a collection before instituting steroid or electrolyte replacement. The sample should preferably be collected more than 48 hrs after birth. A wet, faeces-free portion of a disposable nappy can be supplied in place of a liquid sample. This can be placed in a 20ml or 60ml disposable container.

Patient preparation

None

Sample viability

Turnaround time

21 days for written reports. Urgent results can usually be given over the phone within 3 working days.

Reference range

Please refer to report for reference ranges.

Clinical guidance

Please follow the link below to the referral laboratory website for more information: https://synlab.co.uk/test-database/urine-steroid-profile/

Notes

Sent to Synnovis (Blackfriars Hub)