Final answer:
The most commonly used procedure to obtain a routine urinalysis specimen from an adult patient is the clean-catch midstream method, which reduces sample contamination and provides important health information through the subsequent testing of the urine.
Step-by-step explanation:
A PCT (Patient Care Technician) should identify that the most commonly used procedure to obtain a routine urinalysis specimen from an adult patient is through a clean-catch midstream urine sample. This method involves the patient initiating urination into the toilet, stopping midstream, and then continuing to urinate into a sterile collection container. The clean-catch method helps to prevent contamination of the urine sample with bacteria from the skin. In a routine urinalysis, the urine may be analyzed by sight, smell, simple urine test strips, or more extensive analysis if required, such as microscopic examination or urine culture.
These tests provide vital information on the patient's health, including the presence of any abnormal substances in the urine that may suggest a range of conditions, from infections to kidney problems. The use of a urine dipstick and comparison against a color key is standard to determine levels of various chemicals, proteins, or cells in the urine to identify any irregularities.