Urine sampling

• Urinalysis positive for nitrites and leukocytes is highly indicative of a UTI.
• All urine samples should be sent for microscopy and culture, if a urinary tract infection is suspected.
• Bag urine should not be used.
• The perineal and genital areas should be clean.
• Mid-stream urine is the preferred method for toilet-trained children.
• Clean catch in pre-continent children who are not severely unwell.
• Suprapubic aspiration is the preferred method of urine collection in unwell infants, escalate as per local CERS protocol if required.
• When placing or removing catheters consider procedural pain relief.
• In–out catheter may be required if other collection techniques have failed.
• When inserting or removing catheters, consider procedural analgesia.