clean-catch specimen

clean-catch specimen,

a urine specimen that is as free of bacterial contamination as possible without the use of a catheter. This type of specimen is needed to test urine for culture and sensitivity. The nurse instructs the client on the method. After appropriate cleansing of the external genitalia, the client begins the urinary stream, allowing the initial portion to escape. The initial stream cleans or flushes the urethral orifice and meatus of resident bacteria. During the middle portion of voiding, the client collects the specimen. The procedure is easiest while using toilet facilities.

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specimen [spes´ĭ-men]

a small sample or part taken to show the nature of the whole, such as a small quantity of urine for urinalysis or a small fragment of tissue for microscopic study.

clean-catch specimen (clean-voided specimen) a urine specimen obtained after the external urethral area is washed with a liquid soap and rinsed well; then the patient starts a urinary stream, stops it, and voids into a sterile specimen container. The purpose of obtaining such a specimen is to minimize contamination by external organisms. Called also midstream specimen.

midstream specimen clean-catch specimen.

sputum specimen a sample of mucous secretion from the bronchi and lungs; see also sputum specimen.