Urine specimens are used to detect infection and to determine the best course of medication for that infection. Midstream urine is used because the first urine can be contaminated from passing by the skin.
Instructions
Before You Start
1. Label the specimen container with at least two patient identifiers according to Joint Commission or medical facility standards. Make sure to check the patient information on the label and order sheet with the information on the patient's ID bracelet.
2. Knock on the patient's door and address the patient by name. Explain to them the procedure you're about to do. Give the patient an opportunity to ask questions as needed.
3. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly according to your medical facility's standards.
Collecting the Midstream Specimen
4. Put on disposable gloves.
5. Clean the perineum with the antiseptic solution in the midstream specimen kit.
6. Remove the contaminated gloves and dispose of them.
7. Open the sterile collection kit and put on the sterile gloves.
8. Soak cotton balls in antiseptic solution.
9. Open the sterile specimen container while being careful not to touch the inside of it. Do not set the lid face down, as this could contaminate it.
10. For a male, clean the penis with the antiseptic-soaked cotton balls in the following way:
Hold the penis with one hand and clean the penis starting at the meatus. Use a circular motion to clean starting at the center and working out. Ask the patient to urinate in the container.
For a female, clean the perineum in the following way:
Open the labia with the index finger and thumb using one hand. With the other hand, clean around the urethra, being careful to wipe front to back. Use each cotton ball for only one stroke. Ask the patient to urinate into the container.
11. For a male:
Pass the container into the urine stream after he starts to void. Remove the container from the urine stream before he stops voiding. Hold the penis until the specimen has been collected.
For a female:
Pass the container into the urine stream after the patient starts to void. Keep the labia open until specimen has been collected. Stop collecting the urine before the patient stops voiding.
12. Allow the patient to finish voiding, let go of the penis or labia, and promptly close the lid onto the container, being careful not to touch the inside.
13. Allow the patient to wipe with tissue and wipe any urine on the outside of the container. Place the container in the plastic bag from the collection kit.
After the Procedure
14. Take the receptacle to the bathroom to empty and clean it. Take note of the volume of urine if ordered.
15. Remove soiled gloves and wash hands according to medical facility standards.
16. Put on clean gloves and help the patient wash his hands.
Tags: being careful, facility standards, medical facility, medical facility standards, urine stream
