What is clean catch midstream urine detector used for?

Answer 1

There are two parts to your question. When urine first comes out the urethra, it picks up bacteria that's on the skin and in the urethra. Medical testing doesn't want that part because it can "contaminate" the specimen. This is why it is called "mid stream". It just means, start to urinate like usual, but then, move the container into place to catch the rest of the urine. "Clean catch" is the second part of the question. Urine can be randomly collected---for a "UA", or urinalysis. A UA test counts what is seen in your urine, BUT it does not include culturing any bacteria found. They expect to see a few bacteria because it was not a clean catch.

A clean catch requires a patient to wipe with special towelettes first to clean the outer skin. The person begins to urinate, then moves the container under the stream. When done, a sterile lid goes back on the sterile container. A clean catch urine test will look for and count bacteria--just like a UA. But, if found in a clean catch specimen, the bacteria will be rubbed onto a special medium in a petri dish and allowed to grow/multiply. This will make a more accurate "count" based on how much grew, how fast. The petri dish part of the test allows a specific identification of the TYPE of bacteria (for example: E Coli). With that specific information, the doctor will know which antibiotic to give to you.

If you do a Clean Catch Urine, wash your hands BEFORE you urinate---germs are on your hands too. (and after) Don't touch the inside of the container or lid. Put the lid upside down on a paper towel while you urinate. Handle the lid carefully so you don't contaminate it. Use the wipes as directed. Afterward.... Do NOT wipe the inside of the container OR the lid--- if urine is inside, don't worry about making it look neater. Put the lid on tightly. Wash your hands. Use a new paper towel, wipe off the outside of the container---throw that towel away. Wrap a new paper towel around the outside and put the container where the nurse directed, or give to the nurse.