a clean catch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clean catch" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in medical contexts, particularly when referring to urine sample collection to ensure that the sample is not contaminated. Example: "For the test, please provide a clean catch to ensure accurate results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

"It was a clean catch".

The New York Times - Sports

Multiple replays confirmed that it was a clean catch.

The New York Times - Sports

Every time he takes a clean catch now, the crowd jeer.

The Guardian - Sport

If you were not sure that you'd taken a clean catch in the outfield, you did not claim it.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Even from across the field," cornerback Jason Sehorn said, "you could see that it wasn't a clean catch.

The New York Times - Sports

In doing so, of course, the umpires together were doubting the word of Buttler, who was a completely innocent party, and a wronged one too since he took a clean catch.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The urine is collected by using a "clean-catch" technique to eliminate contamination with bacteria from skin or vaginal secretions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, in producing a urine sample for analysis, it is critically important that it be what doctors call a "clean-catch" specimen.

The New York Times - Health

We collected a clean-catch midstream urine specimen in a sterile BD Vacutainer™ Urine Tube (Becton, Dickinson and Company) containing a lyophilized preservative including boric acid and sodium formate.

Plosone

Subjects were instructed to obtain a clean-catch midstream urine specimen for culture and to provide a peripheral blood sample.

EBioMedicine

Culture of a clean-catch urine sample taken before the ertapenem was started yielded E. coli MH01 at >10 CFU/mL urine.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to medical samples, ensure that "a clean catch" is collected using proper techniques to prevent contamination and ensure accurate test results.

Common error

Avoid using "a clean catch" loosely without proper understanding of its specific application in sample collection. Always follow aseptic techniques when collecting samples to prevent contamination and ensure reliable results.

Linguistic Context

A clean catch functions as a descriptive phrase, commonly used as an adjective modifying a noun, specifically referring to the act of catching something without errors or contamination. Ludwig AI confirms its usage is correct. Examples show its prevalence in both sports and medical contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

37%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clean catch" is a descriptive phrase denoting precision and lack of contamination or error, with common applications in sports (referring to catches) and medicine (referring to sample collection, confirmed by Ludwig AI). It appears frequently in News & Media and Science sources. While grammatically correct, use it mindfully within its specific contexts. For alternative expressions, consider "uncontaminated specimen" or "sterile sample" in medical scenarios, ensuring clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an uncontaminated specimen

Focuses on the lack of impurities in a sample, particularly in a medical context.

an untainted sample

Similar to uncontaminated, but can also imply a moral or ethical purity.

a sterile sample

Highlights the absence of living microorganisms in the sample.

an immaculate sample

Highlights the pristine and spotless quality of the sample.

a pure sample

Emphasizes the absence of foreign substances or elements.

a flawless catch

Emphasizes the perfection and error-free nature of the action.

a proper catch

Indicates that the act of catching was executed correctly, often used in sports.

a textbook catch

Suggests that the catch was performed exactly as it should be.

a successful reception

Describes a successful instance of receiving something, common in sports or technical contexts.

a perfect grab

Indicates a successful and precise act of seizing or catching something.

FAQs

How is "a clean catch" used in medical contexts?

In medicine, "a clean catch" refers to a method of collecting urine samples that minimizes contamination from the skin around the urethra, ensuring a more accurate analysis.

What are some alternative terms for "a clean catch" in a medical setting?

You can use terms like "uncontaminated specimen" or "sterile sample" to describe a sample collected with the intention of minimizing contamination.

Why is it important to obtain "a clean catch" when collecting a urine sample?

Obtaining "a clean catch" is crucial to prevent bacteria from the surrounding skin from contaminating the sample, which could lead to a false diagnosis of a urinary tract infection (UTI). It helps ensure accurate results for urine cultures and other tests.

What is the procedure for collecting "a clean catch" urine sample?

The procedure generally involves cleaning the genital area with antiseptic wipes before urinating, starting to urinate into the toilet, then collecting the mid-stream urine into a sterile container. This minimizes the presence of external contaminants in the sample.