32 Specimen Collection Performance Checklist

Specimen Collection

Check care plan for direction and client needs.

• Perform hand hygiene.
• Assess the client’s status before undertaking the activity.
• Explain the procedure to the client.
• Provide for privacy.

Collect equipment:

• Bedpan
• Urinal
• Commode
• Hat-specimen pan (if using)
• Toilet tissue
• Gloves
• Equipment for peri-care.
• Sterile specimen container and antiseptic wipes for mid-stream urine specimen.

Prepare equipment and assist client with perineal care as needed. Perform hand hygiene and put on gloves.

Collect specimens:

Random Urine Specimen

• Ask client to urinate into receptacle. Remind client not to put tissue into the receptacle.
• Label the specimen container with client’s name, and other information according to policy.
• Apply gloves. Pour 120 ml of urine into the specimen container. Discard remainder of urine.
• Place/store specimen according to policy or supervisor’s instructions.

Midstream Urine Specimen

• Obtain sterile specimen container and label as in second step above. Perform hand hygiene and apply gloves.
• Provide perineal care; using the antiseptic wipe (or cloth with antiseptic solution) clean around the urinary meatus (front to back for female, circular motion for male)
• Open the lid to the specimen container taking care not to touch the inside of the lid or the container.
• Ask the client to void; hold the container to collect the urine to approximately 60 ml; allow the client to finish voiding.
• Place lid on container; store specimen according to policy or supervisor’s instructions.

Stool Specimen

• Perform hand hygiene and apply gloves.
• Collect equipment see step 2: tongue blade, appropriate specimen container labeled with client’s information according to policy.
• Remind client to void first so the specimen is not contaminated with urine. Assist client to bedpan/commode or toilet (with specimen pan). Instruct client not to put toilet tissue into the receptacle.
• Collect about 30 ml of stool (from the middle of the stool) using a tongue blade and place into specimen container, replace lid and put specimen into plastic bag.
• Discard remaining stool/tongue blade and tissue.
• Store specimen according to policy or supervisor’s instructions.

Discard gloves and perform hand hygiene. Provide for safety and comfort. Tidy area.

Report and record observations according to agency policy.