What is the method of urine specimen collection that starts urination before catching the specimen?

The method of urine specimen collection that involves starting urination before collecting the specimen is known as the midstream specimen. This approach is utilized to obtain a specimen that is less likely to be contaminated by bacteria and other substances that might be present in the initial part of urination.

In this procedure, the individual begins to urinate and then, after a short moment, collects the urine midstream. This ensures that the specimen consists of urine that is more representative of the bladder contents, rather than any potential contaminants from the urethra. The midstream technique is particularly beneficial for tests requiring clean urine, such as urinalysis or culture, as it helps enhance the accuracy and reliability of the results.

In contrast, a random specimen is simply a urine sample collected at any time without prior considerations for preparation, while a clean-catch specimen requires specific cleansing of the genital area before collection but does not demand the midstream aspect. A timed specimen involves collecting urine over a specified period, which is different from the midstream collection process.