Family Physician: A Friend to Depend On

Posted on: 22 May 2018

Sometimes, primary care physicians and pediatricians request urine samples so they can conduct tests for bacteria, certain proteins, hormones, sugars, and other chemicals that may point the doctor in the right direction for a possible diagnosis of various types of medical conditions. While older children and adults find it easier to pee in a cup, parents of toddlers often struggle to get a pee sample from their inquisitive little ones, especially if they are nowhere near close to being potty trained.

But even when already potty trained, your toddler may not agree to the absurdity of peeing in a cup. Instead of spending the entire day in the restroom of the pediatrician's office, go home and wait it out. At some point, he or she will pee. You'll just have to catch it, but that's easier said than done. Or is it? Here are a few ways to get a urine sample from a stubborn toddler. 

Ask the pediatrician for a toddler-size urine bag 

A urine bag is a bag that is specifically for the purpose of catching pee. The bag has adhesives on it and comes with instructions on how the bag should be worn. Of course, your toddler won't be able to wear regular clothing on their bottom when they are wearing the bag, so it's best to do this in the confines of your home. You can, however, put a diaper cover on top of the bag, as long as it doesn't interfere with the adhesive strips. If your toddler doesn't agree to wearing one, put it on them when they are napping. 

Place sterile gauze pads in their diaper 

Another way you can get a urine sample from your toddler is to place several sterile gauze pads inside their diaper. The gauze pads can then be carefully folded and placed into the urine sample cup, if permitted by your pediatrician's office. Alternatively, you may need to squeeze the pee out of the gauze pads and directly into the urine sample cup.

Preferably, wear a pair of sterile medical gloves to do this. If you don't have sterile gloves available, you squeeze the gauze pads with your hands but be sure to thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial soap and rinse your hands completely. Wait for your hands to air dry before squeezing the gauze pads so there is no possibility of contamination. 

Important note: If you are still unable to get a urine sample from your toddler, the pediatric service may need to do a catheter.