Urine Culture

Urine-culture: Clean-catch method

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

• The clean-catch urine method is used to prevent bacteria from the penis or vagina from getting into a urine sample.

• 1-2 ounces of urine is collected.

Methods
Urine collection technique for women
1. Wash hands with soap and water
2. Spread labia with 1 hand and hold apart for collection
3. Use three povidone-iodine swabs to clean area
- Wipe down one side, front to back, with one swab
- Wipe down other side, front to back, with second swab
- Wipe down center, front to back, with last swab
4. Dry area with sterile gauze
5. Void into toilet for a few seconds and then collect (to clear the urethra of any contaminants)
6. Avoid stopping urine flow while positioning cup
-Stopping flow increases risk of contaminated sample
7. Collect in sterile container
8. Cap and avoid touching inside of container

Urine collection technique for men
1. Wash hands with soap and water
2. Retract foreskin if needed
3. Use povidone-iodine swabs to clean tip of penis
- Clean penis
- Clean urethral opening
4. Dry area with sterile gauze
5. Void into toilet for a few seconds and then collect
6. Collect in sterile container
7. Avoid stopping urine flow while positioning cup
-Stopping flow increases risk of contaminated sample
8. Cap and avoid touching inside of container

Urine collection technique for infants (urine bag)
1. Wash hands with soap and water
2. Use povidone-iodine swabs to clean as above
3. Place sterile urine bag over penis or labia
4. Reclean and replace new urine bag if no urine in 30 min
5. Empty bag into sterile urine container