What is the method called for collecting a midstream urine sample?

The method referred to as "clean-catch" is specifically designed to reduce contamination of a urine sample by the surrounding skin or other bacteria. In this technique, the individual first cleans the genital area to decrease the presence of bacteria that could interfere with the results. After cleaning, the individual is instructed to start urinating and then collect a midstream sample. This means that the urine collected is not the very first flow but rather the mid-portion of the stream, which is less likely to be contaminated.

This method is particularly important in diagnostic situations, such as in testing for urinary tract infections, because it provides a clearer picture of the actual condition of the urine, aiding in the accuracy of the test results.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of urine collection. "Urine collection" is a general term that doesn’t specify a method, "sterile" refers to a condition that may be required for sample collection but lacks the specificity of the clean-catch process, and "random" indicates a sample taken at any time without preparation and is less suitable for certain tests requiring a midstream sample.