While performing a urine collection, you instruct a patient to provide a sample without further guidance. The patient returns with a specimen that includes the first portion of urine voided. Which of the following options best describes the specimen collected and the correct action for the medical assistant to take?
The specimen is a midstream clean catch; accept the specimen and process it as ordered by the healthcare provider.
The specimen is a random urine sample; accept the specimen but ensure the healthcare provider is aware that it is not a midstream clean catch if that was what was originally requested.
Discard the specimen and instruct the patient to drink more fluids and wait until they can collect a first-void morning specimen.
The specimen should be rejected, and the patient should be asked to provide a timed urine sample over the next 24 hours.