clean-catch specimen


specimen

 [spes´ĭ-men] a small sample or part taken to show the nature of the whole, such as a small quantity of urine for urinalysis or a small fragment of tissue for microscopic study.clean-catch specimen (clean-voided specimen) a urine specimen obtained after the external urethral area is washed with a liquid soap and rinsed well; then the patient starts a urinary stream, stops it, and voids into a sterile specimen container. The purpose of obtaining such a specimen is to minimize contamination by external organisms. Called also midstream specimen.midstream specimen clean-catch specimen.sputum specimen a sample of mucous secretion from the bronchi and lungs; see also sputum specimen.