Colorado CNA Practice Exam

A clean-catch specimen is also called a __________ specimen because the first and last voiding are not included in the urine sample.

1. Full-stream

2. Initial-stream

3. Mid-stream

4. Terminal-stream

The correct answer is: Full-stream

The correct term is often referred to as a "mid-stream" specimen. In the process of obtaining a clean-catch urine sample, the purpose is to reduce contamination and provide a more accurate representation of the urine that is excreted. When collecting a mid-stream specimen, the initial part of the urine flow is discarded—this helps to flush out any contaminants from the urethra that might be present. Subsequently, the middle portion of the urine flow is caught in the collection container, while the last part of the urine stream is also discarded. This technique is specifically designed to ensure that the sample collected is as clean as possible for laboratory analysis, making it a crucial procedure in various medical assessments. It is important to understand this terminology as it directly relates to proper practices in nursing and patient care.