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Midstream Urine Collection -- Females



Before you start, be sure to read all the instructions.  Please ask questions if you are in doubt about any step in the procedure.  It is important to follow the procedure correctly in order to obtain as clean a specimen as possible.

 

 

1.   Lower the toilet seat, if needed.

 

2.   Wash your hands with soap and water.  Dry your hands with clean paper towels.

 

3.   Open the urine container.  Do not touch the inside of the container or cover.  Open the three towelettes.

 

4.   Clean the urinary area.

  • Find a stable position, either sitting on or squatting above the toilet.
  • Use the forefingers of one hand to separate the folds (labia) around your urinary opening.  Keep the labia apart while you clean.
  • Clean the right side of the labia with one towelette.  Wipe slowly from front to back once.  Throw away the towelette.  With a second towelette, clean the left side the same way.  Toss the towelette in a nearby wastebasket.
  • Clean the center area with the third towelette.  Wipe slowly from front to back once.  Then throw away the towelette.

5.   Keep the labia apart, and urinate a small amount into the toilet.  While urinating, move the container into the urine stream to catch a sample.  Stop the flow and finish urinating into the toilet.  The container does not have to be filled to the top.

 

6.   Screw the cover onto the urine container.  Dry the outside of container if it is wet.  Wash your hands.

 

7.   Give the sample to the clinic staff.

 

If you make a mistake in collecting the specimen, please ask for a new container and towelettes.

 

The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #5479.

 



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 12/23/2009

Copyright © 12/23/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #4236

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