COLLECTING A URINE SPECIMEN FROM A RETENTION CATHETER

REQUIREMENTS

1. Laboratory form
2. Specimen container
3. Bedpan or urinal
4. Disposable gloves
5. Tissue
6. Ballpoint pen
7. Mackintosh and dressing towel
8. Tray containing the following:
   • Antimicrobial solution
   • Cotton wool swabs in a gallipot
   • 10-20-mLsyringe with 21-25-gauge needle
   • Clamp or rubber band
   • Receiver for used items

STEPS

1. Confirm physician/doctor’s request against the specimen form with patient’s name, date and content of urinalysis (manual or electronic)
2. Establish rapport with patient (Refer to steps)
3. Explain the procedure (Refer to steps)
4. Assemble requirements
5. Label the bottle or container with the date, patient’s name, department identification and physician/doctor’s name
6. Protect the bed with mackintosh and a dressing towel
7. Assist patient into a supine position and expose the perineal area
8. Perform hand hygiene and put on gloves
9. Disconnect the urine bag if attached
10. Clamp the tubing:
    1. Clamp the drainage tubing or bend the tubing
    2. Allow adequate time for urine collection
11. Clean the aspiration port with an antimicrobial solution
12. Withdraw the urine by:
    1. Inserting the needle into the aspiration port to withdraw sufficient amount of urine into the syringe
    2. Allowing the urine to flow from the catheter into a clean container
13. Transfer the urine to the labeled specimen container
14. Unclamp the catheter and attach urine bag if necessary
15. Remove mackintosh and dressing towel
16. Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene
17. Reposition patient
18. Discard the excess urine, dispose of used items and decontaminate tray
19. Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene
20. Send the specimen bottle or container to the laboratory immediately with the specimen form
21. Document the procedure in the designated place