What is the first hygiene step before collecting a urine specimen from a child?

• A. Prepare the container label.
• B. Remove the diaper.
• C. Wash hands and put on sterile gloves.
• D. Identify the parent or guardian and explain the procedure.

Answer: (C)

The first hygiene step is washing your hands and putting on sterile gloves. This establishes a clean barrier between you and the child, reducing the risk of transmitting pathogens and preventing contamination of the urine specimen. Hand hygiene is the foundation of every procedural step, and donning gloves adds a protective layer when handling sterile equipment and the collection area. Without clean hands and proper gloves, skin bacteria or other contaminants can easily enter the sample, potentially giving false results and increasing infection risk for both the child and healthcare provider. Administering other tasks like labeling the container, removing the diaper, or identifying the parent are important preparatory steps, but they do not address infection control at the moment of specimen collection.