How to take a urine sample for a home test

Despite the convenience home testing offers our patients, many worry about getting the sample collection process right.

If you’ve ordered a Better2Know test that requires a urine sample, here are some easy instructions for collecting it.

Don’t want to go into a clinic? Get tested at home with one of Better2Know’s home test kits.

What’s included in my home test?

When you order a test or screen that requires a urine sample, you’ll receive a Better2Know Home Sample Collection Kit (Urine Sample). Your kit will contain:

• Urine collection container
• Specimen bottle
• Protective delivery box
• Self-addressed delivery envelope
• Shuttlepouch™

Before you start your test, ensure that you have all the materials you need and that they’re included in the test kit you have received.

It is also very important that you have not urinated for at least one hour prior to collecting your sample.

How do I take my urine sample?

Follow the instructions included in your kit and shown below to take the best possible urine sample.

1. Wash your hands and find a clean flat surface

Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Dry your hands with a clean towel.

You may also wish to have access to a flat surface, like a table or a windowsill, so you can lay all the test materials out in front of you. This way, everything you need will be at hand.

2. Drink some fluids

Make sure you have enough urine stored up to provide a sample before you start.

If you don’t feel you have to pee, drink some water and wait at least an hour before you collect your sample.

3. Take the empty urine collection container to the nearest toilet

It’s best to collect a urine sample in a bathroom. Being in a bathroom will also make cleaning up after you’re done a bit easier.

4. Fill the urine collection container to the stated level

Take out the urine collection container and squeeze the sides to expand it. The container has a plastic lining inside to hold the urine. Take care not to damage the container so that it can hold all the urine you deposit into it.

Pee into the container until it’s half full. You must be sure to catch the first part of your urine stream into the urine collection container. You can then finish urinating into the toilet.

5. Fill the specimen bottle

Unscrew the top of the specimen bottle. Now carefully pour the urine from the urine collection container into the specimen bottle until you reach the indicated line. Screw the top back on the bottle securely to seal it. If there is any urine left in the collection container you can dispose of it in the toilet.

Place the specimen bottle into the Shuttlepouch™ to protect it during transport. Place the delivery pouch back into the cardboard delivery box.

Consult the checklist

Your instruction sheet includes a “Final Checklist” section for each test kit. Before you post your sample, ensure you’ve included everything you need according to the list.

Seal the envelope

Once you’ve ensured that you’ve included everything you need to inside your delivery box, apply the security seal and put the box inside the postage paid return envelope and seal it.

Post the box in any mailbox as soon as possible.

Final thoughts

Getting tested at home should be simple and straightforward. We hope these instructions help you collect your samples and get your test results as soon as possible.

If you have any questions about the testing process, call the number at the top of this page to speak to one of our trained Sexual Health Advisors. They can discuss your situation and provide advice and guidance on how best to get tested.

If you want to get tested for STIs but don’t know where to start, try Better2Know’s Full Screen, which tests for 7 of the UK’s most common STIs.

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