Urinary Elimination Practice Test

This approach targets getting a true sample from the bladder by minimizing contamination from the skin and genital area. Start with clean hands and cleanse the external genitalia from front to back to remove bacteria that would otherwise be picked up as the urine begins to flow. For women, wipe front to back; for men, clean the glans or head of the penis and retract the foreskin if needed. Then begin urinating, and after the stream has started, collect a midstream sample into the container without touching the inside of the container or its lips. Cap the container promptly and label it. This avoids the initial flow, which can carry bacteria from the urethra and surrounding skin, and prevents contaminating the sample by touching the container. Avoid rinsing the container with urine and ensure the specimen is sent to the lab promptly.