Dear Patients,

Please be aware of the Practice process regarding the dropping off of samples such as urine/stool samples, swabs and nail clippings.

Our Reception team are unable to accept samples unless these have been requested by a Clinician as part of an appointment or via a message OR for an annual health check (long term condition review). Please don’t bring in samples unless our team have requested them as they will be discarded.

If you are concerned regarding a possible urine infection (UTI) please contact the Practice before bringing in a sample. If you are aged 16-64 you may be able to use the Pharmacy First scheme via a community Pharmacy (see infographic below)

If you are outside of this age range, pregnant or unable to use the Pharmacy First scheme then please either call us and use the same day triage line or submit an eConsult and we will advise you on the best next steps.

When dropping off a urine sample, please ensure to complete the short urine sample drop off form available in the foyer – this ensures all the information that is needed by our team is provided. Without this completed form, you may find that your sample is not able to be processed and then will be discarded.

Dropping off a Sample – What you need to know

If your doctor or nurse has asked you to provide a sample, please follow these simple steps so that it is processed correctly.

1. Prepare Your Sample

• Please use the sample container provided by the surgery or pharmacy – samples in other jars or bottles could be contaminated and therefore cannot be accepted.
• Ensure your full name, date of birth, and NHS number (if you know it) are clearly written on the container. Please time and date your sample.

2. Store Your Sample Properly

• Samples should be handed in at the practice as soon as possible, ideally within 4 hours. If you cannot hand your sample in within this time frame, you should store it in a fridge but for no longer than 24 hours.
• Secure the lid tightly to prevent leaks.
• Secure it in the sample envelope/bag if one has been provided by the surgery.

3. Drop Off Your Sample on Time

• Bring your sample to Reception as soon as possible, ideally the same day. Please drop stool samples and swabs in before 1pm, so that our courier can take them to the hospital laboratory in time for them to be analysed.

4. Ensure You Have Any Necessary Forms

• All urine samples require a completed form – if unsure, please ask at Reception when dropping it off. For stool samples and swabs, you may have been given a printed form with labels by a Clinician, if so, please ensure you bring these back with your sample.

5. Ask If You Need Further Information

• If you’re unsure about anything, our Reception team are always happy to help.

Thank you for following these steps to help us process your sample efficiently. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Extra info:

Midstream Specimen of Urine (MSU) | Urine Test

How to collect a sample of poo (stool sample) – NHS

Testing for blood in your poo using FIT | Bowel Cancer | Cancer Research UK

Instructions for Self-Collection of Vaginal Swabs | Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust