Trick of the Trade: Urine Collection in Neonates

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.

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.

Author information

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