Why am I having this test and what is it?

Your doctor has asked for a urinary hydroxyproline estimation.

This test measures the level of hydroxyproline in your urine. It is used to help doctors diagnose and monitor treatment of bone disorders such as Paget’s Disease.

What do I need to do?

If you were not given a urine container by your doctor or clinic, please pick one up for free from any ACT Pathology collection centre.

This test requires a special diet to be followed before collection. For 24 hours before you start the collection, please avoid the following foods:

• meat and meat products
• gravy
• fish and poultry products
• chocolate and cocoa
• foods containing gelatines (jelly, ice cream and all aspics)

You should eat a strictly vegetarian diet and avoid dessert food for 24 hours leading up to your test.

You need to fast from 8pm on the night before your test.

How do I collect the urine sample?

To collect a urine sample, you should:

• empty your bladder into the toilet as usual when you first wake up
• collect the urine sample for this test 1 to 2 hours after emptying your bladder when you first woke up
• wash your hands thoroughly before collecting your sample
• screw the lid on tightly once you have collected the sample
• clearly label your container with your full name, date of birth and the time and date of collection.

Where do I take the sample?

Please take your sample to one of the ACT pathology collection centres listed below for testing as soon as possible.

If you cannot deliver your sample to a collection centre within an hour of collection, please refrigerate the sample—do not freeze it.

Collection centres

For further information, please contact one of the following ACT Pathology collection centres:

Canberra Hospital Building 10 Collection Centre

Open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 5.30pm and Saturdays from 8.30am to 12:15pm. Closed on Sunday and public holidays.
Canberra Hospital, Gilmore Cres, Garran (next to Centenary Hospital for Women and Children
Phone (02) 5124 2816.

Tuggeranong Collection Centre

Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm and Saturday 8:30am to 12pm. Closed on Sunday, long weekends and public holidays.
Tuggeranong Health Centre Level 1, Corner Anketell & Pitman Streets, Tuggeranong
Phone (02) 5124 1352.

North Canberra Hospital Collection Centre

Open Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 4pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm. Closed on Sunday and public holidays.
North Canberra Hospital, 1st Floor, Marian Building, Bruce (Maternity entrance)
Phone: (02) 5124 3815.

Gungahlin Collection Centre

Open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 4.30pm and Saturdays from 8.30am to 12.30pm. Closed Sunday, long weekends and public holidays.
Gungahlin Health Centre, Corner Earnest Cavanagh St & Fussell Lane, Gungahlin
Phone (02) 5124 1135.

Belconnen Collection Centre

Open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. Closed on weekends and public holidays.
Belconnen Health Centre, Corner Lathlain & Cohen St, Belconnen
Phone (02) 5124 1502.

University of Canberra Hospital Collection Centre

Open Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 3.15pm. Closed on Sunday, long weekends and public holidays.
University of Canberra, 20 Guraguma Street, Bruce
Phone (02) 5124 0230.

Weston Creek Collection Centre

Open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:15pm. Closed on Sunday, long weekends and public holidays.
Weston Creek Walk-in Centre, 24 Parkinson St, Weston
Phone (02) 5124 4174.