American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnician Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT mandated during the collection of a midstream urine specimen?

1. The sample must be the first voided of the day

2. The sample should be the second voided of the day

3. The sample should be collected after cleaning the urethral area

4. The sample must be collected in a sterile container

The correct answer is: The sample should be the second voided of the day

The selection stating that the sample should be the second voided of the day is indeed not mandated during the collection of a midstream urine specimen. In fact, midstream urine collection is typically performed during the patient's normal voiding routine, not specifically requiring the second voided sample. The primary purpose of midstream collection is to obtain a sample that is less contaminated by bacteria or substances present in the urethra or on the skin, which is achieved by discarding the initial portion of urine and collecting the midstream flow. This practice reduces the risk of contamination from the first part of the urine stream, making the specimen more suitable for accurate laboratory testing. Meanwhile, guidelines do emphasize that the sample must be collected after the urethral area has been cleaned and must be collected in a sterile container to minimize contamination and preserve the integrity of the analysis. Thus, the key characteristics of the midstream urine collection process focus on the timing and cleanliness of the sample, rather than mandating the specific voiding instance.