Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. 139 URINE SPECIMEN COLLECTION-CLEAN CATCH MIDSTREAM PURPOSE: All specimens are collected in accordance with specific physician's orders to obtain an uncontaminated specimen of urine. If an antibiotic is to be started, the urine sample should be collected first. RESPONSIBLE PERSONNEL: RN, LPN EQUIPMENT: Sterile cotton balls, antiseptic solution, sterile water, sterile gloves, sterile urine container SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: The patient should be allowed to do this procedure if possible. Any history of allergic response to antiseptic solutions should be assessed. Any laboratory specimen for culture should be taken to the laboratory immediately. If the driving time is considerable, the nurse should transport the specimen on ice or in a cooler. If the patient has been on antibiotics, this should be noted on the patient's clinical record. PROCEDURE: 1. Explain the procedure. 2. Screen the bedbound patient. Encourage the ambulatory patient to go to the bathroom. Instruct ambulatory patients in the proper technique for collecting the specimen. 3. Wash hands. 4. Open sterile urine container. Maintain sterility of specimen container. 5. Cleanse perineal area with antiseptic towelette if available. a) Female - Separate labia. Wipe from front to back. Keep labia separated after cleansing. b) Male - Cleanse with antiseptic solution around meatus. Keep foreskin retracted. Cleanse in circular motion from center outward. 6. Instruct patient to begin voiding. Catch midstream urine in specimen container. 7. Remove gloves. Wash hands. 8. Label container with date, time, patient's name, physician's name and requested lab test. Take or send to appropriate laboratory promptly in clear plastic bag. DOCUMENTATION: Document the date and time the specimen was obtained, the type of specimen, test to be performed and the laboratory to which the specimen was taken on the Clinical Visit Note. Document the color and character of the urine, taking note of any unusual odor.