Clean Voided and Catheter Neonatal Urine Specimens

Abstract

The difficulties encountered in obtaining a reliable clean voided urine sample in the newborn can scarcely be underestimated. Many of the inaccuracies of urine studies in the newborn have resulted from the difficulties involved in getting a satisfactory urine sample for examination.^1,2 In the male, phimosis and adherent foreskin prevent visualization of the meatus and, hence, adequate cleansing. In the female, the presence of vaginal discharge, the difficulty in getting firm fixation of the collecting device, and the proximity of the urethra to the rectum all add to the difficulties of obtaining a valid urine specimen. In both male and female, the problem of frequent stooling in the newborn is also a factor. Undoubtedly, the anticipation of difficulties involved in obtaining reliable urine specimens from the neonate plays a part in the frequent failure to diagnose urinary tract infection in this period of life. That the premortem diagnosis of