NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Clinical Patient CareMedium
A medical assistant is instructing a patient on how to collect a clean-catch midstream urine specimen. Which of the following instructions should the MA include?
- ACleanse the perineal area from back to front.
- BBegin voiding into the toilet, then collect the middle portion.
- CCollect the first voided urine of the morning.
- DFill the collection cup completely to the brim.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Begin voiding into the toilet, then collect the middle portion.
The 'midstream' technique involves voiding a small amount of urine into the toilet first to flush out contaminants from the urethra, then collecting the middle portion of the urine stream, ensuring a cleaner specimen.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The perineal area should be cleansed from front to back to avoid introducing fecal bacteria into the urine sample.
- C. While a first morning specimen is often preferred for concentration, the key for a clean-catch is the midstream technique, not just the timing.
- D. Collection cups usually have a fill line; overfilling can lead to spillage and contamination.
Clean-Catch Urine Collection
A method of collecting a urine sample to minimize contamination from the skin and external genitalia, typically for culture and sensitivity testing.
- Cleanse perineal area thoroughly.
- Void a small amount into the toilet first.
- Collect the 'midstream' portion.
- Avoid touching the inside of the cup.
Memory trick: Cleanse, Start, Catch, Stop!