How long does urine stay sterile after released from the body?

Urine is generally considered sterile when it is produced in the kidneys and before it leaves the body. However, once urine is expelled, it can become contaminated with bacteria from the skin or the environment almost immediately. The duration for which urine remains sterile can vary, but it typically loses its sterility within minutes to hours after being released. Therefore, it is important to handle and store urine samples properly for any medical testing.