Urine Specimen Collection (Clean Catch)
Category: Specimen Collection
Overview
Collection of uncontaminated urine specimen for laboratory analysis including urinalysis, culture, and sensitivity testing.
Indications
Urinary tract infection symptoms, routine screening, pre-operative testing, monitoring treatment response, pregnancy testing.
Contraindications
Inability to provide specimen, severe cognitive impairment without assistance, contaminated collection methods.
Equipment Needed
Sterile specimen container, antiseptic wipes, labels, gloves, patient instructions, collection hat or urinal if needed.
Procedure Steps
1. Explain procedure to patient and provide written instructions
2. Ensure patient privacy
3. Instruct patient to wash hands thoroughly
4. For females: clean from front to back, separate labia
5. For males: retract foreskin if uncircumcised, clean tip of penis
6. Begin urination into toilet, then catch midstream in container
7. Fill container 1/3 to 1/2 full (minimum 10-15 mL)
8. Cap container without contaminating inside
9. Label specimen with patient information
10. Transport to laboratory within 2 hours
11. Refrigerate if delayed transport
12. Document collection time and method
Safety Considerations
Maintain sterile technique to prevent contamination. Use clean-catch method to avoid false positive cultures. Label specimens immediately. Transport promptly to ensure accurate results.
Potential Complications
Specimen contamination, false positive culture results, delayed transport affecting results, patient embarrassment or difficulty providing specimen.
Documentation
Record collection time, method used, specimen appearance, patient tolerance, and laboratory requisition information.
References
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. (2019). Urinalysis Guidelines. American Society for Microbiology Specimen Collection Guidelines.