Clean Catch/Midstream Voided Specimen 

Purpose: 

To secure a clean voided specimen for analysis by the lab. 

Equipment: 

• Sterile specimen container 

• Disposable gloves 

• Towelette or washcloth with soap and water 

Procedure: 

Clean catch, midstream specimens will be collected by the licensed nurse or C.N.A. when ordered by the physician. 

Male Resident: 

1. Instruct the resident to expose the glans and cleanse around the meatus with a towelette or soap and water. 

2. Allow the initial urinary flow to escape. 

3. Collect the midstream urine specimen in a sterile container. 

4. Have the resident empty the bladder into the toilet or urinal. 

5. Close the container and bag the specimen. 

6. Remove gloves and wash hands. 

7. Make out a label with the resident’s name and date of collection, attach it to the specimen along with the lab slip, and refrigerate the specimen until picked up by the laboratory. 

Female Resident: 

8. Separate the labia to expose the urethral orifice and cleanse the area around the meatus with a towelette or soap and water. 

9. While the labia are separated, have the resident void forcibly. 

10. Allow the initial urinary flow to drain into a bedpan or toilet, then catch the midstream in the sterile container. 

11. Close the container and bag the specimen. 

12. Remove gloves and wash hands. 

13. Make out a label with the resident’s name and date of collection, attach it to the specimen along with the lab slip, and refrigerate the specimen until picked up by the laboratory. 

Compliance and Documentation: 

• Adhere to CMS guidelines and Requirements of Participation for Long-Term Care Facilities. 

• Document the procedure, including the resident’s response and any observations, in their medical record. 

• Note any difficulties encountered during specimen collection. 

• Regularly review and update techniques for clean catch/midstream specimen collection according to the latest clinical best practices and regulatory standards. 

• Provide training to staff on proper specimen collection procedures to ensure resident safety and accurate lab results. 

• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with this policy and address any gaps in practice or documentation. 

References: 

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). State Operations Manual (SOM), Appendix PP - Guidance to Surveyors for Long-Term Care Facilities. 

• CMS Requirements of Participation for Nursing Homes.