I Put Water in My Urine Sample - Will This Impact My STD Test Results?

Published: May 09, 2017
Dear TEenHealthFX,
Today I decided to get screened for STDs via urine test. The nurse told me to pee till the line on the cup. She was very specific that it had to be to the line. But I couldn't pee, so I squeezed out a little- only half way to the line- so under immense pressure, I put about a table spoon of tap water in the cup. Will this create a false negative?
Signed: I Put Water in My Urine Sample - Will This Impact My STD Test Results?

Dear I Put Water in My Urine Sample - Will This Impact My STD Test Results?,

How STD tests are conducted depends on which infection you are being tested for. According to Planned Parenthood, STD tests can include a physical exam, blood sample, urine sample or a sample of discharge, tissue, cell or saliva. While urine samples can be used to test for some STDs, it is not the most common method of testing.

Adding water to a urine sample can compromise the results of various urine tests, including (but not limited to) drug tests, pregnant tests and STD tests. That said, TeenHealthFX recommends you contact your doctor’s office to let them know what happened to the urine sample. Very often at a doctor’s office we can feel compelled to be the “good patient” and do whatever is asked of us. So FX can certainly understand your impulse to fill the cup up to the designated line with water. However, remember the most important thing is your health. When tests are compromised, or other important information is left out, it limits your medical care professional’s ability to accurately diagnose and treat various medical and mental health issues.

For a list of what methods are used to test for specific STDs, see the STD Testing Quick Reference Guide on the Planned Parenthood website.

For more general information on STD testing, read Planned Parenthood’s article on STD Testing.

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. A Planned Parenthood health center is a good option if you have concerns about cost or confidentiality issues. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.

Signed: TEenHealthFX

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