Update: New urine tubes

February 14, 2024

As you may be aware, we recently introduced new urine tubes across SWB. The new urine tubes are primary urine containers that replace (in the majority of circumstances) the old white and red topped universal containers.

Though we introduced the urine tubes, we are experiencing some issues in specialist chemistry and in particular toxicology around the rollout of the new urine tubes.

These sample types are not currently validated for Specialist Chemistry urine requests, in particular, drugs of abuse testing. Labels generated from Unity still state that staff need to take white top urine universals for these requests. However, a significant number of new urine tubes are being received which cannot be accepted.

With this in mind we must remind clinical colleagues to the take sample type displayed on the label and as specialist chemistry (including toxicology) are unable to accept the new style urine tubes for analysis staff should be sending white top urine universals. Staff need to check the printed Unity label to see what tube is required and collect accordingly.

For further details, please below information sheets:

• Urine Monovette 3.2ml – points to remember
• Boric Acid Urine Monovette 10ml – points to remember
• Urine tests sheet

For more information please email  rwh-tr.bcps@nhs.net