Collection of urine sample from infants and young children

Collection of urine sample from infants and young children is a challenging task for both the parent and physician. But, still it is necessary to have a good urine sample for an accurate urinalysis. The mother or the father should be carefully educated on how to collect a proper urine sample from an infant or from a young child. Usually supra pubic sample may be indicated for infants as it is very difficult to collect a urine sample when they are voiding. Followings are some important steps to practice when collecting urine sample fro infants and young children;

• Mother is instructed to clean the external genitalia of the child with soap and water (in boys foreskin should be retracted and in girls labia majora should be apart
• Give plenty of fluid to drink before collection of urine.
• Open the lid of the container just after starting the voiding ( do not keep it open for a long time)
• Mother can collect as much urine as possible avoiding contamination when the child urinates.
• In very small children urine bags may be used and sample should be collected as soon as the child urinates and send to the lab within 2 hours.
• Supra-pubic aspiration is occasionally necessary in infants.