A clean catch is a method of collecting a urine sample to be tested. The clean-catch urine method is used to prevent germs from the penis or vagina from getting into a urine sample.
If possible, collect the sample when urine has been in your bladder for 2 to 3 hours.
You will use a special kit to collect the urine. It will most likely have a cup with a lid and wipes. You should also spread a clean towel on the counter or sink.
Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
GIRLS AND WOMEN
Girls and women need to wash the area between the vagina "lips" (labia). You may be given a special clean-catch kit that contains sterile wipes.
To collect the urine sample:
BOYS AND MEN
Clean the head of the penis with a sterile wipe. If you are not circumcised, you will need to pull back (retract) the foreskin first.
INFANTS
You will be given a special bag to collect the urine. It will be a plastic bag with a sticky strip on one end, made to fit over your baby's genital area.
If the collection is being taken from an infant, you may need extra collection bags.
Wash the area well with soap and water, and dry. Open and place the bag on your infant.
You can put on a diaper over the bag.
Check the baby often and remove the bag after the urine collects in it. Active infants may displace the bag, so you may need to make more than one attempt. Drain the urine into the container you were given and return it to the health care provider as directed.
AFTER COLLECTING THE SPECIMEN
Screw the lid tightly on the cup. do not touch the inside of the cup or the lid.
Urine culture - clean catch; Urinalysis - clean catch; Clean catch urine specimen; Urine collection - clean catch
Dean AJ, Lee DC. Bedside laboratory and microbiologic procedures. In: Roberts JR, Hedges JR, eds. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:chap 68.
Ban KM, Easter JS. Selected urologic problems. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 97.
Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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