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Alternative names Return to top
Urine collection - clean catch; Clean catch urine specimenDefinition Return to top
A clean catch is a method of obtaining a urine sample to be sent for various tests, including urinalysis and urine culture.How the test is performed Return to top
Collect a "clean-catch" (midstream) urine sample. To obtain a clean-catch sample, men or boys should wipe clean the head of the penis. Women or girls need to wash the area between the lips of the vagina with soapy water and rinse well. As you start to urinate, allow a small amount to fall into the toilet bowl (this clears the urethra of contaminants). Then, in a clean container, catch about 1 to 2 ounces of urine and remove the container from the urine stream. Give the container to the health care provider or assistant.How to prepare for the test Return to top
A specimen container and instructions on cleansing and collection will be provided. If the collection is being taken from an infant, a couple of extra collection bags may be necessary.How the test will feel Return to top
Rarely, infants may have a local skin reaction to the tape used with the collection bags.Why the test is performed Return to top
The clean-catch method is used to avoid contaminating the urine sample with bacteria that are normally present in the urethra and appear in a voided urine sample. It is used for a routine urinalysis, a urine culture, or other urine tests that require uncontaminated urine for accurate results.Normal Values Return to top
Normal values will depend on the specific test ordered, for example, urinalysis or urine culture.What abnormal results mean Return to top
If the urine sample was sent for urinalysis, abnormal results may indicate the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, or excessive amounts of protein.
If the urine sample was sent for urine culture, abnormal results may indicate excessive growth of bacteria a urinary tract infection or bladder infection.
What the risks are Return to top
No risks have been noted in collecting a clean catch urine sample.Special considerations Return to top
This is a common method used to collect urine. A false negative urine culture may result from recent antibiotic use. Update Date: 8/11/2003 Updated by: Kenneth Wener, M.D., Department of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |