Clean Catch Directions

A clean catch urine specimen is used to check the urine for bacteria that cause urinary tract infections--and sometimes to run other tests. For this reason, urine collected using the clean catch technique cannot be contaminated with outside bacteria that could alter the test results. You should always follow proper guidelines for collecting clean catch urine to help reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. They ensure that the culture or test results remain accurate.

Things You'll Need

• Clean catch urine kit
• Clean towel
• Toilet

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands and dry them thoroughly to reduce the risk of contaminating the urine specimen.

• 2

  Open the urine specimen kit, and remove the cleansing wipes. Open both packages of wipes, and place them on the clean towel.

• 3

  Remove the specimen cup from the kit, and open the lid. Place it on the clean towel with the underside facing up. Avoid touching the inside of the urine container or the inner lid.

• 4

  Clean and sterilize the opening to your urinary tract using the first cleansing wipe. If you're a man, clean around the opening of the penis using the wipe. If you're a woman, use two fingers to spread apart the skin folds on each side of the urethral opening, and clean them from front to back. Use the second cleansing wipe to clean directly over the urethral opening.

• 5

  Urinate into the toilet for two seconds, and then stop the flow. Place the cup underneath the urethral opening without touching your skin and urinate without stopping until the cup is half-full. Stop the flow, and remove the cup.

• 6

  Put the lid on top of the specimen cup, and place it on the counter. Notify the person in charge that the specimen is ready.