What action should be taken right after a urine sample is collected?

After a urine sample is collected, refrigerating it as soon as possible is crucial for preserving the integrity of the specimen. Urine can undergo various biochemical changes due to the action of bacteria and the breakdown of cellular components if left at room temperature. This could lead to the alteration of parameters such as pH, specific gravity, and the presence of certain substances, thus affecting the results of any subsequent analyses.

Refrigeration slows down microbial growth and chemical reactions, maintaining the stability of the analytes in the sample. Ideally, urine samples should be processed or refrigerated within two hours of collection to ensure accurate results in laboratory testing. Proper handling and storage conditions are vital in laboratory medicine to guarantee the reliability of test outcomes.