Final answer:
A clean catch or midstream collection is a method for obtaining a urine sample that is used to diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs) by minimizing contamination from the external genitalia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Clean catch or midstream collection is a method used to diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs). This technique is designed to prevent contaminants from the skin of the genital area from getting into a urine sample. It's important because it helps in obtaining a urine sample that contains bacteria primarily from the urinary tract, rather than from the external genitalia.
To perform a clean catch or midstream urine sample, one must start urinating, then stop and position the collection container to catch the urine continue to flow (the 'midstream'). The first part of the urine flow carries potential contaminants from the urethra and external genitalia, so collecting midstream minimizes this contamination.
This method is widely used in healthcare settings, proving to be an effective way to gather a sample for urine analysis and culture to diagnose urinary tract infections and other urinary disorders accurately.