Urine tests help to evaluate painful urination caused by bladder infections.

Unfortunately, a urine sample can be contaminated by bacteria on the skin surface, where urine exits the urethra. A clean-catch urine sample reduces the chance that the sample is contaminated by bacteria from the outside of the bladder.

In males, a clean-catch urine procedure includes:

• Retract the foreskin.
• Cleanse the tip of the penis.
• Begin urinating into the toilet.
• Place the urine sample cup into the stream of urine.
• Catch 1-3 ounces of urine in a cup.
• Take the cup out of the urine stream.
• Complete voiding in the toilet.
• Close the sample cup.

In females, a clean-catch urine procedure includes:

• Cleanse the urethra and vulva.
• Begin urinating into the toilet.
• Place the urine sample cup into the stream of urine.
• Catch 1-3 ounces of urine in a cup.
• Take the cup out of the urine stream.
• Complete voiding in the toilet.
• Close the sample cup.