Question

A medical assistant is instructing a patient on the collection of a clean-catch urine specimen for culture and sensitivity (C&S). What instruction should the medical assistant give the patient?

Answer 1

Instructions should the medical assistant give the patient is Proper handwashing, genital cleaning with antiseptic wipes, and careful mid-stream collection in a sterile container are vital steps detailed in the instructions.

Step-by-step explanation:

To collect a clean-catch urine specimen for culture and sensitivity (C&S), a medical assistant should provide the following instructions to the patient:

1. Begin by thoroughly washing the hands to maintain cleanliness throughout the process.
2. Start to urinate into the toilet to clear the urethral path of contaminants.
3. After releasing a small initial amount, stop the flow of urine briefly.
4. Then, while still urinating, position the sterile collection container in the urine stream to catch urine without touching the container to the genitals.
5. Collect enough urine in the container as instructed by the healthcare provider, usually about 30 to 60 milliliters.
6. Finish urinating into the toilet, and then seal the container tightly.
7. Label the specimen container with the patient's name and the date, if it isn't pre-labeled.
8. Deliver the urine sample to the lab or healthcare provider as quickly as possible, since delays can affect test results.

Following these steps ensures a proper clean-catch technique, which is crucial to obtain accurate results when checking for a urinary tract infection (UTI) and determining the most effective antibiotic treatment.

Answer 2

The medical assistant should instruct the patient to clean the genital area, void a small amount into the toilet, then collect the midstream urine in a sterile container for culture and sensitivity (C&S) to obtain an accurate sample.

Step-by-step explanation:

When instructing a patient on collecting a clean-catch urine specimen for culture and sensitivity (C&S), the following steps are essential:

Clean Genital Area: Advise the patient to clean their genital area with provided antiseptic wipes to minimize contamination from external sources.

Void a Small Amount: Instruct the patient to void a small amount into the toilet initially. This helps clear the urethra of any contaminants present in the initial stream.

Collect Midstream Urine: Direct the patient to collect the midstream urine in a sterile container provided. This portion of the urine is more likely to represent the bacteria present in the urinary tract, offering a more accurate sample for C&S testing.