Can I collect a sample if I have a urinary catheter?

If you have a long-term indwelling urinary catheter (Foley catheter), please contact OncuraKit customer support before ordering. Catheter-collected urine has different characteristics than voided mid-stream urine — it bypasses the urethra, may contain catheter-related biofilm bacteria, and may have altered miRNA content due to catheter irritation of the bladder epithelium. Yenos's collection protocol was validated using voided mid-stream urine, and catheter-collected specimens have not been validated for the HL normalization reference. Clean intermittent catheterization (not indwelling) is less of a concern — if you can void naturally, follow the standard instructions. Discuss with your physician if you are uncertain.