What must a PCT ensure is done with a urine specimen after a 24-hour collection?

The key aspect of handling a 24-hour urine specimen is ensuring that it remains viable for accurate testing. After the final collection, the urine specimen must be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth and changes in the composition of the urine, which could lead to inaccurate results. This refrigeration must occur as soon as possible after the collection process is completed.

While the notion of allowing the specimen to "stand" after the collection might seem plausible, it is essential to note that urine specimens should typically not be left at room temperature for extended periods. Instead, they should be stored in a cool place, usually refrigerated, directly after collection to preserve their integrity.

Other options relate to the process before, during, or after the collection but do not address the specific requirement regarding the storage of the specimen following the final collection. For example, discarding the final void is incorrect because all urine within the 24-hour period should be collected, and cleaning the meatus pertains to maintaining proper urine collection hygiene rather than post-collection specimen handling. Therefore, ensuring that the specimen is refrigerated is crucial for an accurate analysis of the urine collected over the 24 hours.