Urine test - red top bottle. What's that about?

[GwendolineMaryLacedwithBrandy]

I've just received a letter from the GP asking me to drop off a sample in a red top bottle. I only have a white top one. OK, I guess I can pick one up but anyone know what's the difference?

I didn't know but was intrigued and from a quick google it seems that the red top one contains a preservative powder which keeps the sample for longer.

Ah, I've just seen that, wasn't getting anything conclusive when I googled. That's ok I guess, thought it was red for danger or serious infection!

The red top has a preservative in called Boric acid.

I thought the same, hence googling. personally I think a green top would help the bp and general pregnancy anxiety.

It's normally used to check for bacterial infections. Bacteria will grow in stale urine. Without the preservative it would be difficult to tell if you had an infection or the urine was stale.

Usually the red tops are for them to send to the lab, rather than just a dipstick test. (In fact they can't dipstick in a red one because of the preservative).

I used the red tops throughout my first pregnancy for MW appointments etc and didn't know about any other colours. Now in second pregnancy and at my booking in appointment I was handed a white top and asked to use that for MW appointments as the red tops are for sending specimen's away.