Introduction
Some illnesses and infections can only be found by testing a urine sample. Urine is also called wee. It is a mix of water and a waste product from the body called urea.
It can be challenging to get a good, clean sample of urine from babies and children, especially when they are in nappies and are not able to control when they urinate.
There are 2 common ways that urine is collected in children.
- Catheterisation - when a thin, plastic tube is inserted into the urethra and up into the bladder to drain the urine out.
- Supra pubic urine aspiration – most used for very young babies, when a very fine needle is inserted into the lower stomach area, through to the bladder.
Your child’s doctor will let you know which collection method is best for your child.
Before the test
Your child will need a full bladder, so the doctor or nurse may ask you to give your child a big drink of water before they take the sample.
The doctor or nurse may use a bladder scanner or ultrasound to check how full your child’s bladder is before they take the urine sample.
During the test
Catheterisation
Catheterisation is very quick, but it can be uncomfortable for some children. They may find it hard to keep still, so it’s important that you are there to support and reassure them while the sample is collected.
The doctor or nurse will clean around your child’s penis or vulva, where the opening of the urethra is. They will cover the catheter with a slippery gel called lubricant and gently insert the tube into the urethra and the bladder. When enough urine has drained out through the tube, the catheter will be taken out.
Supra-pubic urine aspiration
Supra-public urine aspiration can be uncomfortable and slightly painful for some babies and children. They may find it hard to keep still, so it’s important that you are there to support and reassure them while the sample is collected.
Your child will have a local anaesthetic cream applied to their lower belly. This will help numb the area where the needle will go. The doctor or nurse will clean your child’s lower belly area and insert the needle. The urine will be collected quickly, and the needle is removed.
After the test
The urine will be collected in a container and sent to a specialist doctor to be tested. Some results will return quickly, and others might take a few days. Your child’s treating team will let you know when the results come back and what kind of treatment or further tests your child might need.
Management
Supporting your child
Getting a urine sample through catheterisation or supra-public aspiration can be uncomfortable for children. They must stay still, and inserting a tube and needle can be very uncomfortable. Children may also feel anxious about having their penis or vulva looked at by someone they do not know.
It is important that you support and reassure your child during these procedures. It can be helpful to do things like:
- explain what is happening to your child and why the test is being done in simple words, even if they are very young and not speaking yet
- ask the doctors and nurses to talk to your child directly during the procedure
- give a comforting touch, like holding your child’s hand or stroking their hair
- sing a song or tell a story.
If you cannot stay with your child during the procedure, a nurse can hold your child instead.