It may seem overwhelming at first to obtain a urine sample from an infant, but it is simply not hard. With the right arrangement and time for some, you could do it safely at your place. In this tutorial, we’ll take you through the process of how to get a clean urine sample from your newborn – without freaking out.
Why a Urine Sample Is Required
Your baby’s pee has a lot to say about their health. A doctor will often require a urine specimen for tests to eliminate infections, dehydration, or other kidney problems. The thing about babies is you can’t ask them what’s wrong, so indirectly why not urine test to see if they have early warning problems? It’s easy to overlook it, but is an important part of keeping track of how your little one is doing!
When the Doctor May Want a Sample
If your baby has a fever without an apparent cause, upsets during urination, or her urine is cloudy or smells bad, you may be asked to bring in a sample of her urine. Pediatricians may also recommend doing the test if a month-old does not feed well or seems too sleepy. The test is helpful to the doctors because it tells them what’s wrong, allowing them to put the child on medicine that will work.
Alternate methods of Obtaining a Urine Specimen
There are different ways an infant can have their urine collected. The choice of method will be based on the doctor’s prescription and the baby’s age. The following are the most popular styles:
Urine collecting bag: a soft adhesive bag that is designed to stick to your baby’s skin and collect the urine.
Clean catch: You get a sample of urine as your baby is peeing.
Catheterization: This is performed in hospitals when a sterile sample is required.
Suprapubic aspiration: This is a medical process where the bladder of a patient is punctured to remove urine from it.
For home collections, the preferred easiest and least hazardous methods are urine bag, and clean catch.
Preparing for the Collection
Before diving in, get everything ready. You’ll also need a sterile collection bag or container as supplied by your doctor or pharmacy, baby wipes or cotton balls, a clean towel and, of course, all of the usual diaper-changing supplies. And wash your hands, and prepare a clean place where you can comfortably diaper your baby.
Cleaning Your Baby Before Collecting
It’s all about hygiene and sanitation. Otherwise, wipe the baby’s genitals clean with warm water or wipes to remove any bacteria that could contaminate the sample. The skin should be dry before applying the collection bag. This not only promotes adherence of the bag, but also minimizes skin irritation.
Using a Urine Collection Bag
To collect urine with a bag, place the attached adhesive opening (or cut a hole in the narrow side of the bag and tape to your baby’s genital area) over your baby’s genital area. Make sure it’s snug but not too tight. The boy’s penis will be inside the bag; girl’s area will show fully covered by the bag. Once it’s on, diaper over the top and wait. Most babies will pee once every 30-45 minute throughout their lifetime especially after drinking milk or eating something. Once your baby has urinated, very gently take off the bag and pour the urine into the sterile container if necessary. Seal it tightly.
Trying the Clean Catch Method
This move requires quick hands and a healthy amount of patience. After your baby is clean, you’ll want to hold it close to the genital area and just wait for him or her to pee. You could put gentle pressure on their lower belly with a warm cloth to assist them in urination. Babies pee often right after feedings, or when they’ve had the diaper off for a few minutes. Once your baby begins to urinate, catch some of the midstream flow in the cup (it can be full or half empty) then seal it and label with your baby’s name and time.
Keeping the Sample Clean
Contamination can change test results. Always use a sterile vessel and do not touch the inside of the lid or bottle. Definitely don’t pee on the diaper; you just going to get soak it, not to mention all of the bacteria… If you are unable to take the sample right after collecting it, keep it in the fridge. It is ideal for the sample to arrive at the laboratory within 1 hour.
Encouraging Your Baby to Urinate
Babies do not pee on cue, so don’t think you will somehow be able to tell when the baby needs to go and use restroom assistance only. One of the easiest ways to stimulate urination is through feeding, for it is not uncommon for a baby to pee shortly after feeding. Similarly, a warm damp cloth on baby’s lower tummy can cause urination as well. This also works with a gentle flow of warm water nearby — most infants are soothed by the sound of running water.
How Much Urine Is Enough
You won’t need much for testing; a little goes a long way in most cases. The usual volume that most labs demand is two teaspoons. If you are unsure, confirm with your physician or the laboratory what their specific recommendations are prior to collecting a urine sample.
Delivery of the Sample to the Clinic
Once you have the urine sample, place it in a clean plastic bag and take it to your doctor or lab as soon as possible. If you are waiting, refrigerate it (do not freeze it) to prevent bacteria from continuing to multiply. Always indicate to the laboratory number of days between when sample was drawn.
Common Issues Parents Face
Babies also pee less when they´re cold or don´t feel very comfortable. If your child has not urinated after 45 minutes, try returning and breastfeed again or reapply the bag following a break. Pull or push on their stomach. If you’re unable to produce a sample after several hours, tell your physician — he or she can suggest alternative strategies.
What Not to Do
Never squeeze a diaper just to get urine, and always use sterilized containers. Avoid contact with the urine by hand or non-sterile part. Nor should the sample be allowed to sit at room temperature for too long otherwise the bacteria may continue to grow, and would therefore ruin the result.
When to Contact the Doctor
And if you notice the baby’s urine has turned red, or is cloudy and smelly, or if the baby cries when urinating, tell your doctor right away. This could suggest an infection or another health issue that should be addressed by a doctor.
Conclusion
It can be challenging to collect a urine sample in an infant, but it’s not so difficult if you know how. Go easy on him, be gentle and listen to everything the doctor says. But a tiny sample can tell quite a lot about your baby’s health, and if there is a problem, it might even help him or her heal more quickly.
FAQs
Can I test my baby’s diaper to get a urine sample?
No, diaper urine does not meet the criteria because it is contaminated. Always use a sterilised bag or clean container.
How long can I store the sample before bringing it to the clinic?
Attempt to get the drop there in an hour. If you can’t, store it in the refrigerator temporarily.
What if my baby goes a long time without peeing?
Give them something to eat, or softly massage their lower tummy. After feeding, most babies will urinate.
Do babies experience pain from it?
No bags or containers are not painful and completely safe.
Can I recycle the collection bag?
No, it is important to discard a used bag and start with an unused sterile bag for each collection in order to avoid contamination.