Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Catheter (Indwelling)
Collection Container/Tube: Syringe

Submission Container/Tube: Sterile Plastic Container
Specimen Volume: 10 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 5 mL

Collection Instructions:
1. Avoid sending urine that has remained stagnant in catheter tubing for

    any length of time; do not send catheter bag urine; and avoid sending

    urine from catheters that have been in place longer than 5 days.
2. Clean catheter collection port with 70% alcohol.

3. Puncture with sterile needle and collect 5 mL to 10 mL of urine.
4. Transfer > 5 mL of urine into sterile container. Mix well.

5. Label specimen with patient’s full name, date of birth,

    date & time of collection, and person collecting.

6. Keep specimen refrigerated during transport.

Specimen Type: Catheter (Straight)

Container/Tube: Sterile Plastic Container
Specimen Volume: 10 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 5 mL

Collection Instructions:
1. Thoroughly cleanse urethral area with soap and water.

2. Rinse with gauze pads.

3. Aseptically insert catheter into bladder.

4. Allow approximately 15 mL to pass; then collect

    10 mL of urine in sterile container. Mix well.

5. Label specimen with patient’s full name, date of birth,

    date & time of collection, and person collecting.

6. Keep specimen refrigerated during transport.

Additional Information: 

This collection is not recommended for routine urine culture

because of potential contamination problems. Procedure may

introduce urethral flora into bladder.

Specimen Type: Clean Catch

Container/Tube: Sterile Plastic Container
Specimen Volume: 10 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 5 mL