Collection Is Critical • Written & Video Protocols • 24-Hr Urine & FoodSafe™ FAQs

Sample Collection Instructions & Specimen FAQs

We are committed to providing the highest quality testing. A well thought out collection and close attention to instructions are key to ensuring the most accurate results. Review our official collection protocols and 24-hour urine FAQs below.

How to Order a Test Questions? Call (206) 209-4200

Step-by-Step Collection Protocols

Core Specimen Collection Guides

Follow the specific instructions included inside your Meridian Valley Lab collection kit and verify that all tubes and requisitions are labeled completely.

PRISM24™ & PACE24™

24-Hour Urine Hormone Collection

• Day 1 Morning (Start): Upon waking, empty your bladder into the toilet (do NOT collect this first morning void). Record the exact start time.
• All Day & Night: Collect EVERY drop of urine for the next 24 hours into the large orange collection container (do not remove the white boric acid preservative powder inside). Keep refrigerated between voids.
• Day 2 Morning (Finish): Collect your first morning urine at the same time you started on Day 1.
• Mix, Measure & Transfer: Gently invert the closed jug to mix thoroughly, record the Total 24-Hour Urine Volume (in mL) on both the requisition and vial labels, and fill the transfer vials.

4-Point Filter Cards

Dried Urine Hormone Collection

• 4 Timed Collections: Collect samples at four intervals across the day (First Morning, 2nd Morning, Evening, and Bedtime) as directed on your kit card.
• Saturate Filter Strip: Dip or saturate the designated filter strip zone until evenly soaked—avoid touching the filter paper with your fingers.
• Dry Completely: Allow strips to air-dry flat at room temperature for several hours until completely dry before folding and placing inside the return pouch.
• Stability: Dried urine strips remain stable for 14–21 days once completely dried.

Bloodspot / Microtainer

FoodSafe™ Collection Instructions

• Dietary Prep: Eat a wide variety of your normal foods in the days leading up to your test (ask your physician before reintroducing any food that causes severe reactions).
• Warm Hands & Cleanse: Wash hands with warm water to increase blood flow, cleanse the fingertip with the alcohol pad, and let dry.
• Fill Circles / Microtainer: Use the sterile lancet to prick the side of the fingertip and fill all circles on the bloodspot card (or fill the microtainer tube to the line).
• Dry & Ship: Air-dry bloodspot cards flat for at least 3 hours before sealing. Stable for 30 days.

Official Meridian Valley Lab Collection FAQs

24-Hour Urine & Specimen Processing FAQs

Why is there white powder inside the large orange 24-hour urine collection container?

The white powder is a pre-measured boric acid preservative that prevents bacterial overgrowth and preserves steroid hormone conjugated metabolites during your 24-hour collection and transit. Do NOT dump out or rinse away the powder.

What should I do if my 24-hour urine volume exceeds the capacity of the orange collection jug?

If you fill the orange container before your 24-hour period ends, continue collecting the remainder of your 24-hour urine into a clean plastic container (such as an emptied, clean 1-gallon distilled water jug—do not use metal or detergent-washed containers). At the end of the 24 hours, you must homogenize (mix together) the urine from both containers so the hormone concentration is uniform, measure and add the combined total 24-hour volume (in mL), record that total volume on the requisition and vial labels, and then fill the transfer vials.

What information must be written on my specimen vials and requisition form?

Every specimen vial/card and requisition form must clearly state: 1. Patient Full Name, 2. Date of Birth (DOB), 3. Date(s) and Time(s) of Collection, and 4. Total 24-Hour Urine Volume (for 24-hr urine tests). Unlabeled specimens cannot be processed by the laboratory.

How long are my samples stable after collection?

24-Hour Urine: 7 days at room temperature, 2 weeks refrigerated, or indefinite when frozen.
Dried Urine Strips: 14–21 days at room temperature.
FoodSafe™ Bloodspots: Up to 30 days at room temperature.
Allergy Serum (SST): Up to 90 days refrigerated/frozen.
Whole Blood Viscosity / CBC: 48–72 hours (ship overnight Monday–Wednesday only so specimens arrive before Friday).