A catheter specimen of urine (CSU) involves directly collecting a urine sample from a catheter to test for infection while avoiding contamination. The specimen must be obtained at the right time using proper technique, equipment, and documentation to minimize risk for all involved. This includes collecting urine in a way that prevents contamination, reduces risk to staff, and uses the correct supplies before storing and transporting the sample appropriately to the laboratory within 4 hours.

1. CATHETER SPECIMEN OF
URINE
(CSU)

2. This is the collection of urine directly from a catheter for sampling purposes
while ensuring the sample is not contaminated.
Specimens must be collected at the right time, using the correct technique and
equipment, and be delivered to the laboratory in a timely manner
The specimen must be:
Collected at the right time
Collected in a way that minimises the risk of contamination
Collected in a manner that reduces risk to all staff (including laboratory staff)
Collected using the correct equipment
Documented clearly
Stored/transported appropriately

3. CATHETER

4. MATERIALS NEEDED
1. Sterile Syringe (undamaged, intact and dry)
2. Specimen container that is labelled correctly
3. Tissue paper
4. Alcohol swabs
5. PPEs
Place all this on clean trolley

5. PRE-PROCEDURE
• After checking for hazards and ensuring scene safety.
• provide privacy for your patient
• perform hand hygiene
• introduce yourself to the patient and explain reason for the
encounter and gain conscent.
“ I am here to optain a urine sample from your catheter which is
needed for testing”
• check patient’s identity on ID band and medical records including
allergies and reactions
• Ensure patient is comfortable and ready for the procedure

6. PROCEDURE
1. Perform hand hygiene and wear non sterile gloves
2. Expose only the necessary part and check the sampling port if
urine is present.

7. 3. If urine is not present in the
sampling port, clamp below it to
allow collection of new urine, if
pesent, there’s no need to clamp.
4. Wipe sampling port with
alcohol swab and allow to dry for
30 seconds

8. Types of CSU
• Needle and syringe method:
using a sterile syringe and needle, insert needle into port at an angle of
45° and aspirate the required amount of urine, then withdraw needle.
• Needle-less method:
insert sterile syringe firmly into cente sampling spot, aspirate the
required amount of urine and remove syringe.
while doing either of this method, place a tissue behind sampling port
with non-dominant hand to soak up spillage

11. 5. Transfer an adequate amount (approx. 10 mL) of the urine into a
sterile container immediately.
maintain sterility by not touching the inside of the container while
pouring the urine.
6. Discard needle and syringe into sharps container. Wipe sampling port
with alcohol swab and allow to dry.
7. Unclamp catheter tubing if clamped.
8. Dispose of used materials, remove PPEs and wash hands

12. POST PROCEDURE
• State that urine sample bottle witll be labelled with relevant
clinical information like signs and symptoms of infection,
antibiotics therapy. State that procedure will be documented in
notes.
• Ensure sample is sent to Lab immediately (within 4 hours) or
refrigerate at 4°C. (or verbalise it)
• Ensure patient is comfortable throughout the procedure, thank
patient
• Wash hands with soap and water or use adequate amount of
alcohol sanitiser.