Urine culture - clean catch

Definition

A clean catch is a method of obtaining a urine sample for various tests, including urinalysis and urine culture.

How the test is performed

To obtain a clean-catch urine sample, males should wipe clean the head of the penis and females need to wipe between the labia with soapy water and rinse well. Sometimes a special clean-catch kit is provided with cleansing solution and sterile wipes.

After urinating a small amount into the toilet bowl to clear the urethra of contaminants, collect a sample of urine in a clean or sterile container. About 1 - 2 ounces of urine is needed for a test. Remove the container from the urine stream without stopping the flow. You may finish voiding into the toilet bowl. Take the sample to the lab.

For infants:

Your infant's genital area will be cleaned and dried, then a collection device is attached to collect the urine. If you are asked to collect the urine, be sure the collection device is attached securely to prevent leakage. After your baby has urinated, the urine (at least 20 cc) is transferred to a sterile container.

Do not use antiseptics, as they may prevent the growth of bacteria during the culture.

How to prepare for the test

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

Rarely, infants may have a local skin reaction to the tape used with the collection bags.

Why the test is performed

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

Normal values will depend on the specific test ordered, for example, urinalysis or urine culture.

What abnormal results mean

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

No risks have been noted in collecting a clean catch urine sample.

Special considerations

This is a common method used to collect urine. A false-negative urine culture may result from recent antibiotic use.

Illustrations

Urine sample

Female urinary tract

Male urinary tract

Page Content:

Urine collection - clean catch; Clean catch urine specimen