24 hour urine sample for pre-clampsia question

[KM604]

Ok, so based on my increased swelling, 6 pound weight gain in 1 1/2 weeks (I have continualy gained too much weight at each appointment) and increasing blood pressure (low my BP isn't high) the doctor decided to order that I do the 24-hour urine sample to check for pre-clampsia.  I am 36 1/2 weeks now.  My question is, I am doing this over the weekend and I have a baby shower to go to on Sunday as well as a birthday party on Saturday night so the only time I can really do this is starting tomorrow through Saturday afternoon.  BUT, the lab isn't open on Saturdays, so is leaving the urine in my refrigerator ok for 1 1/2 days after completing the sample???  The doctor told me that he will induce me next week if my protein levels are over 300, but if they are under 300 then he will still end up inducing me but probably at 38-39 weeks.  I just want to make sure I do this right so I have the correct results.  If anyone could please let me know if they think this is ok, if not I may just have to cut my baby shower short because I really don't want to lug the pee sample jug with me and ask to store it in their fridge!

[KM604]

Well I ended up finding out that I can go to the lab close to me and pick up the jug and then take it to another.  So I started the 24 hours already and then tomorrow I will drop it off at the other lab location open - I just want to make sure my results are as accurate as can be.  My last u/s was about 5 weeks ago and they didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.  Yesterday when I was at the doc and they checked my urine I had some protein in it, so between that, my rising BP, rapid weight gain and swelling he wanted to do the test - and told me that if I don't pass then he will be calling me right when they get the results to get me in ASAP for induction.  My BP is almost to the point where they would say it's too high, but it has continued to rise every appointment.  He said even if I pass the test he will most likely suggest an induction before my due date (Feb. 17) because of all the problems I am having.  Sooooo I guess it's now just time for me to pee in the jug and then wait for the results!

Thanks for the input from everyone :)

[tiredbuthappy]

you can keep it in the fridge.

I did the 24 hour sample just before 36 weeks. I handed it in Friday. 8:00 Monday morning my OB called me and told me to get to the hospital- he had to do a c-section that day because my kidneys were spilling protein into my urine. He also did a blood test on Friday which apparently showed my platelets were low, indicating liver problems. Basically, as soon as he had the lab results, he decided the baby had to delivered.
So... that's the only reason why I wouldn't have wanted to wait any extra days. With preeclampsia, time can be an issue. Just please watch yourself for symptoms over the weekend, and if you find yourself not feeling well, go to the hospital. That weekend I felt so horrible,  and in retrospect I realize that I should have gone to the hospital.

Another factor that lead to his quick decision- an ultrasound showed the placenta starting to calcify (caused by preeclampsia). How recently have you had an ultrasound?

[KM604]

Well I called the people at the lab place and they said that as long as I keep it in the fridge it won't alter any results.  I know I can't start and stop, I was just wondering if I started it today through tomorrow, if keeping it in the fridge until Monday would be ok.  I asked DH if he remembers what the doctor said and he said the doctor told me I could do it today through tomorrow and just keep it int he fridge.  There is one lab place open Saturday but they are only open until 12 and they are like 45 minutes away from me, so I'm not sure what I am going to do.

[jennymay]

When I had to do this test, the lab tech told me that it needed to be brought into them within 2 hours after I had completed it. I started it Sunday morning and brought it in Monday morning. I don't know if waiting a day would alter the results, but that is what they told me. Hope this helps, and good luck!!

[mamaofonetrying42]

No. 24 hour sample is a 24h sample. you can not stop and restart when you want too. And the pee needs to be refrigerator at all times....If the lab is not open to drop off, you can go to the ER and drop it off. I had to do this!

[sweetangel7]

I'd call the lab tomorrow and ask...unless if there is a nurse here or someone who has done this, I would REALLY want to hear what the lab/doctor says...you don't want to mess this up seeing how serious this could be.

Good luck...luckily tomorrow is Friday so you should be able to get someone =)

[KM604]

Just want to add that on Monday morning would be when I would turn my sample in because the lab is closed over the weekend.