Definition of Urine collection - infants:

Urine collection - infants refers to the method of getting a urine sample from a baby for testing purposes. It is usually done in a doctor's office, but can be done at home.

How the test is performed:

Thoroughly wash the area around the urethra using soap, or cleansing wipes that your health care provider gave you. Clean from the front to the back on a female infant, and from the tip of the penis down on a male infant.

You will be given a special bag to collect the urine. It will be a plastic bag with a sticky strip on one end, made to fit over your baby's genital area. Open this bag and place it on the infant.

• For males, place the entire penis in the bag and attach the adhesive to the skin.
• For females, place the bag over the labia.

Put a diaper securely over the bag. For active infants, this procedure may take a couple of attempts -- lively infants can displace the bag.

Check your baby often and remove the bag after the infant has urinated into it.

Drain the urine into a sterile container and give it to the health care provider as directed. Do not touch the inside of the cup or lid. If at home, place the container in a plastic bag in the refrigerator until you return it to your health care provider.

How to prepare for the test:

There is no preparation for the test. If you collect the urine at home, you might need a couple of extra collection bags.

How the test will feel:

There is no discomfort.

Why the test is performed:

The test is performed to get a urine specimen from an infant.