Collecting a clean urine sample Vulva and labia (2016)
Key points below
Why does my child need to collect a clean urine sample?
Your child’s doctor has asked for this sample. Everyone has bacteria on their skin. It is important to keep skin bacteria from getting into the urine. If skin bacteria gets into the urine, the test results will not be accurate.
How do I collect the urine?
Gather the supplies:
- A sterile collection cup. Ask how full the cup should be to get the amount needed for the test.
- 3 wipes.
- Gloves (if wanted.)
When your child feels ready to urinate (pee), follow these steps:
1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Take the cap off the collection cup. Do not touch the inside of the cap. Put the cap on a clean paper towel or surface. The inside of the cap should be facing up.
3. Have your child sit on the toilet. Some children find it easier to sit backwards on the toilet.
4. Spread the labia apart to clean child's skin. This is the skin where the pee comes out.
- Wipe on left side with 1 wipe.
- Wipe on right side with second wipe.
- Wipe down the center with the third wipe.
- Please put wipes in the trash.
5. Ask your child to start to pee.
6. Let some pee go into the toilet. Then put the cup under the child to catch some of it. Do not let the cup touch your child's skin.
7. Put the cap back on cup.
8. Wash your hands with soap and water.
9. If you are at the lab, give the specimen to the staff person or leave it in the holding area (if there is one.)
10. If you are at home, put the cup into a plastic bag and write your child’s name and the date and time on it. Put it in the refrigerator. Bring it to the lab within 8 hours.
11. If you are not able to collect the urine, tell the lab staff. Your child’s doctor may ask that the specimen be collected a different way.