A pediatric urine collection bag, often referred to as a U-bag, is a specialized, non-invasive device designed to collect urine samples from infants and young children who are not yet toilet-trained. These bags are typically made from medical-grade PVC and feature a transparent film, allowing for easy monitoring of urine collection. They come in various capacities, such as 100ml, 150ml, or 200ml, and are designed to facilitate the collection process for caregivers while minimizing the risk of bacterial contamination that can occur with other collection methods.
Preparing for Application and Attaching the Bag
Before beginning, gather all necessary supplies: the pediatric urine collection bag, sterile wipes or soap towelettes, a clean diaper, and a sterile container. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent contamination.
Next, thoroughly clean the child’s genital area. For female infants, cleanse from front to back, using a separate wipe for each side of the urethral opening and the top. For male infants, clean the tip of the penis and the scrotum with circular strokes; if uncircumcised, gently retract the foreskin to clean underneath. Allow the area to air-dry completely, avoiding powders, oils, or lotions, as these can interfere with the bag’s adhesive.
To attach the bag, peel off the protective backing from the adhesive around the oval opening, avoiding the sticky surface. For female infants, place the bottom adhesive on the skin between the rectum and the vaginal opening, pressing firmly from bottom to top to seal the bag securely around the vulva, ensuring no gaps. For male infants, carefully position the penis into the bag’s opening, placing the bottom adhesive between the rectum and the scrotum, then pressing firmly around the scrotum to create a good seal. The bag should hang freely, and a clean diaper can be loosely fitted over it, ensuring it does not pull on the bag or break the seal.
Collecting the Sample and Safe Removal
Once the bag is securely attached, encourage urination by ensuring the child is well-hydrated. Offering fluids such as breast milk, formula, or water can stimulate bladder activity. Techniques to encourage voiding include a warm bath, which can help relax muscles, or gently massaging the suprapubic area.
Monitor the bag frequently, checking approximately every 20 minutes. Once a sufficient sample is collected, the bag can be carefully removed. To minimize spillage or contamination, slowly peel the bag off the child’s skin, starting from the front (urethral area) and working towards the back (perineum), while holding the bag upright to keep the urine pooled at the bottom.
Post-Collection Steps and Key Tips
After removing the collection bag, transfer the urine sample to a sterile container. Some bags have a tab or projection at the bottom, which can be pulled or cut to allow the urine to drain directly into the container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent leakage during transport.
Properly label the container with the child’s full legal name, date of birth, and the exact date and time of collection. This information is important for accurate identification and traceability at the laboratory. Deliver the sample to the lab as quickly as possible, ideally within 30 minutes to 1 hour after collection, to maintain its integrity. If immediate delivery is not possible, refrigerate the sample, keep it cold on ice (not frozen), and transport it in a cooler, aiming to reach the lab within 24 hours.
To ensure a successful collection, keep the child comfortable and calm. Regularly checking the bag helps prevent overfilling and potential leaks. If difficulties arise, such as persistent leaks, skin irritation from the adhesive, or an inability to collect a sample, seek advice from a healthcare professional.