What are the best practices for getting a high-quality sample?
Best practices for optimal sample quality: Timing — collect 2–4 hours after your last urination (not first morning urine). Hydration — drink your normal amount of fluid; don't over-hydrate or restrict fluids before collection. Health — collect when you are in normal health; wait until acute illnesses, active UTIs, and significant fevers have fully resolved. Activities — avoid very intense exercise (marathon, extreme HIIT) within 24 hours of collection. Medications — do not take OncuraKit if you are currently on chemotherapy, radiation, or hormonal therapy (these are contraindications). Contamination — use the mid-stream technique; do not allow toilet water to splash into the cup; do not collect during menstruation (can introduce blood). Prompt shipping — mail the specimen the same day you collect it; do not store an opened, collected specimen overnight.