Urine collection - infants

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There aren't really any risks. Rarely, the infant might get a mild skin rash from the adhesive on the collection bag. Bag urine specimens aren't best for urine cultures because they can become contaminated.

Try to return the specimen to the health care provider as soon as possible.

In children under age 3, the discovery of a urinary tract infection is very important, as it may be a sign of a problem with the structure of the urinary tract. However, even with proper cleansing, collecting urine with a bag is not recommended for evaluation of urinary tract infections. There is a high likelihood of contamination with bacteria from the skin and (in girls) the vagina. In these cases, a catheterized urine sample is better because it is more accurate.

Review Date: 08/15/2007
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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