A clean catch urine sample is a collection method designed to obtain a specimen free from bacteria and contaminants found on the skin and external genitalia. It is used when a healthcare provider needs a culture or urinalysis to accurately diagnose conditions such as a urinary tract infection (UTI). Contamination can lead to inaccurate results, potentially causing a misdiagnosis or unnecessary treatment.
Essential Preparation Steps
The process begins with preparation to ensure the collected sample remains sterile. Gather the provided supplies, which typically include a sterile collection cup with a lid and antiseptic towelettes or wipes. Set these items out on a clean, easily accessible surface near the toilet.
Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds, drying them with a clean towel. Handle the collection cup with care, avoiding contact with the inside surface of the cup or the inner side of the lid. Touching the sterile cup or lid on the inside may require replacing the entire collection kit.
Step-by-Step Guide to Midstream Collection
The actual collection involves a precise sequence of cleansing and voiding, which varies slightly depending on anatomy. The process is known as a “midstream” collection because the beginning and end portions of the urine stream are discarded.
Female Patients
Begin by sitting on the toilet and separating the labia with one hand, maintaining this separation throughout the cleansing and collection process. Use the provided towelettes to wipe the area from front to back, starting at the urinary opening. Use each wipe only once and discard it before using the next one, following the specific instructions of your kit.
Start urinating a small amount into the toilet bowl to flush out organisms from the initial part of the urethra. While maintaining a steady stream and keeping the labia separated, move the sterile collection cup into the path of the urine. Fill the cup until it is about half to two-thirds full. Once the required amount is collected, remove the cup from the stream and finish voiding the remaining urine into the toilet.
Male Patients
The procedure involves cleaning the tip of the penis. If uncircumcised, retract the foreskin and hold it back during the cleansing and collection process. Use the antiseptic towelette to wipe the head of the penis, focusing on the area around the urinary opening.
First, void a small amount of urine into the toilet to clear the urethra of surface contaminants; this initial flow should not be collected. Without stopping the flow, place the sterile cup into the stream to collect the midstream portion of the urine. Fill the container halfway to two-thirds full. Then, remove the cup before finishing the remainder of the urination into the toilet.
Securing and Transporting the Sample
Immediately after collection, screw the lid onto the cup, ensuring the seal is tight to prevent leakage and avoiding touching the inside of the container or the lid. If any urine has spilled onto the exterior of the cup, wipe the outside with a paper towel.
Labeling is mandatory for the laboratory to process the sample, so confirm the cup is marked with your full name, the date, and the time of collection. The integrity of the specimen degrades over time if left at room temperature. The sample should be delivered to the clinic or laboratory as quickly as possible, ideally within one hour of collection.
If prompt delivery is not possible, the specimen must be refrigerated immediately. Refrigeration slows the multiplication of any bacteria present, maintaining the sample’s quality. Even when refrigerated, the sample should be delivered within 24 hours.