Urine sample
The Case: A 8-day-old, uncircumcised male is brought to the ED with fever, irritability, and decreased urination.
The Problem: Getting a clean catch urine in a timely, non-invasive manner
The Solution?

Trick of the Trade

  1. Provide oral intake to the neonate
  2. 25 minutes after feeding, clean genitals with soap and water; dry with sterile gauze
  3. Give non-pharmacologic analgesia (Pacifier or 2% sucrose syrup)
  4. One person holds neonate under the axilla with feet dangling
  5. Another person starts bladder stimulation with gentle tapping of the suprapubic area (100 taps/min) and stimulation of lumbar paravertebral zone (light circular massage)
  6. Perform steps 4 and 5 for 30 secs at a time, as many times as needed
  7. Catch midstream urine sample in a sterile collection container

Study Publication1

  • Study methodology:
    • Prospective feasibility and safety study
    • Single center in Madrid
    • 80 neonates (31 girls and 49 boys)
    • Mean ages: 6.66 day old boys and 6.23 day old girls
  • Results:
    • 86% success rate in obtaining urine in
    • Mean time for sample collection: 57 sec
    • Mean time spent collecting samples in males: 60.48 sec
    • Mean time spent collecting samples in females: 52.04 sec
  • Limitation: Lack of control group
  • Conclusion: Based on a previous study using a vibrating bladder stimulator,2 this manual method to obtain midstream urine in newborns is safe, quick, and effective.

Bottom Line

Urine collection in neonates is a time-consuming and unpredictable task that requires time and attention. Although a small study, this new technique does not cause discomfort or waste time as is typically the case with catheterized urines and bag collection methods, respectively.

1.
Herreros F, González M, Tagarro G, et al. A new technique for fast and safe collection of urine in newborns. Arch Dis Child. 2013;98(1):27-29. [PubMed]
2.
Davies P, Greenwood R, Benger J. Randomised trial of a vibrating bladder stimulator–the time to pee study. Arch Dis Child. 2008;93(5):423-424. [PubMed]
Salim Rezaie, MD

Salim Rezaie, MD

ALiEM Associate Editor Clinical Assistant Professor of EM and IM University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Founder, Editor, Author of R.E.B.E.L. EM and REBEL Reviews