California Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

What type of specimen should a patient collect for a culture and sensitivity test, according to a phlebotomy technician?

1. A random urine specimen

2. A midstream clean catch specimen

3. A 24-hour urine specimen

4. A first void urine specimen

The correct answer is: A midstream clean catch specimen

For a culture and sensitivity test, the most appropriate type of specimen to collect is a midstream clean catch specimen. This method is crucial for reducing contamination from the skin and the urethral opening. In this procedure, the patient is instructed to clean the genital area thoroughly, then to urinate a small amount before collecting the midstream urine. This technique allows for a more accurate representation of the urine that will be tested, thus ensuring more reliable results in detecting the presence of pathogens and determining their sensitivities to antibiotics. In contrast, a random urine specimen can include contaminants that may not accurately reflect urinary conditions. A 24-hour urine specimen, while beneficial for other types of tests, is not practical or needed for culture and sensitivity assessments. Lastly, a first void urine specimen is collected at the beginning of the urination process, which is more likely to contain contaminants from the urethra and may not provide a clear picture of the bladder's contents. Therefore, using a midstream clean catch specimen is the best practice for obtaining a suitable sample for culture and sensitivity testing.