What must be done to urine specimens before testing?

Storing urine specimens in a refrigerator is essential before testing to preserve the integrity of the sample. Refrigeration slows down the growth of bacteria and minimizes chemical changes that could occur if the sample is left at room temperature for an extended period. This helps ensure that the test results are accurate and reliable, reflecting the condition of the urine when it was collected.

Maintaining proper storage conditions is critical in medical testing, as urine can undergo changes in pH and chemical composition due to the action of bacteria and other environmental factors. By refrigerating the sample, medical assistants and laboratory technicians can safeguard the sample quality until testing can be performed, which is particularly important for analyses such as culture and sensitivity tests or various urine assays.