How to collect a urine sample from a baby
baby urine sample · pediatric urine bag · infant urine collection · urine test for babies
The test needs clean urine from your baby. It is collected in a special baby urine bag or a sterile jar.
At a checkup, for a fever with no clear cause, if your baby cries when peeing, or after an illness.
⏱ Duration: collecting takes from a few minutes to an hour; results usually come in 1 day
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Urine bag. Buy a sterile baby urine bag at a pharmacy. There are separate ones for boys and girls. Also get a sterile container.
- Hygiene. Before collecting, wash your baby with warm water and soap from front to back, and pat dry.
- Timing. Morning urine is best. It usually needs to reach the lab within 1 to 2 hours.
What to bring
- The container with urine
- The test request form
- Your baby's documents
How it goes
- Wash your baby and pat the skin dry
- Peel the backing off the urine bag
- Stick it on: for a boy, with the penis inside; for a girl, over the labia
- You can put a diaper on top, but not tight
- As soon as your baby pees, remove the bag and pour the urine into the container
- Close it tightly and take it to the lab
What you'll feel
- Your baby may fuss because of the sticky edge
- Remove the bag gently so the skin is not irritated
Afterwards
- Results usually come the next day
- Your pediatrician will explain the results
Common questions
Can I squeeze urine out of a diaper or take it from a potty?
No. That urine is not clean, and the test will not be accurate. Use a urine bag or a clean jar.
My baby is not peeing. What should I do?
Give your baby a drink or a feed. Sometimes warm water or gently stroking the belly helps.