What is the correct method to obtain a sterile urine specimen?

To obtain a sterile urine specimen, the method that ensures the highest level of sterility is by collecting from a midstream sample. This technique minimizes the chance of contamination from the external urethral area, as it allows the initial portion of urine, which may contain contaminants, to flush out before collecting the sample. Midstream urine collection is a standard practice in clinical settings because it significantly enhances the reliability of the results by ensuring that the specimen reflects urine from the bladder rather than contaminants from the urethra or vagina.

Using a sterile container is important, but it alone does not guarantee sterility if the sample is contaminated during collection. Cleaning the urethral area is an important preparatory step for both men and women, as it reduces the risk of contamination before the collection begins, but it does not inherently provide a method for obtaining the specimen itself. Therefore, while those actions are beneficial, collecting from a midstream sample is the most effective way to obtain a truly sterile specimen.