Final answer:
The second step in the midstream clean-catch method involves using an antiseptic wipe for genital area cleaning to prevent urine sample contamination.
Step-by-step explanation:
The second step in the midstream clean-catch method typically involves cleaning the genital area with an antiseptic wipe to remove bacteria from the skin surface, thereby preventing contamination of the urine specimen.
This step is critical to ensure that the urine sample reflects the bacteria that may be in the urinary tract, rather than bacteria from the skin. After cleaning, the patient begins to urinate, stops and collects the 'midstream' urine in a sterile container, which is considered the 'clean catch.'