Collecting a clean urine sample

You have been given a container to collect a sample of urine (wee) from your child so it can be tested for infections and other conditions.
Make sure the sample does not get contaminated when it is collected (e.g. by touching the skin) because this can affect the test results and lead to a wrong diagnosis.

Before collection

To collect a sample, you’ll need a container of clean water, a pair of unused plastic tweezers and gauze, cotton balls or baby wipes.

Make sure you wash your hands well. You could also wear gloves if you like.

If you’re in a public setting protect your child’s privacy before removing their nappy or underpants. You may also wish to sit or lay your child on a towel.

Preparing for collection

Use the tweezers to pick up the gauze, cotton ball or baby wipe and soak it in the water.

Gently wash your child’s genital area. For girls, wipe their vagina several times from front to back. For boys, wipe the head of their penis. Use a new gauze, cotton ball or baby wipe for each wipe. Girls - wipe genital area & Boys - wipe head of penis.

If your child is toilet trained, wipe them down first with a wet wipe.

Don't let your skin or your child's hands touch the cleaned area. This is to prevent contamination of the sample which can affect the results.

Loosen the yellow lid of the collection container but don’t remove it.

During collection

To help your child wee, gently rub their tummy for a few minutes using a clean piece of gauze soaked in cold water. Watch and wait until your child starts to wee. Once they start, remove the lid from the collection container and place it under the stream.

If your child is toilet trained, you can collect the sample over the toilet. Ask girls to sit down facing the toilet, it will be easier for you to collect the sample.  Dipping the child's extremities in water can help the child urinate.

Make sure you don’t touch the inside of the container and don’t let the container touch your child’s skin.  For boys ensure the genitalia does not touch the inside of the container.

When you have at least a teaspoon of wee in the container put the lid back on firmly.

If they aren’t ready to wee, give them a bottle or breastfeed while you’re waiting.

After collection

Dry your child’s genital area and replace their nappy or underpants.

If you’re in a medical setting, give the sample to the nurse.

If you’ve collected the sample at home, put it in the fridge and take it to the laboratory within 24 hours.

Developed by the Emergency Department, Queensland Children’s Hospital. We acknowledge the input of consumers and carers.

Resource ID: FS091. Reviewed: July 2022.

Disclaimer: This information has been produced by healthcare professionals as a guideline only and is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your child’s doctor or healthcare professionals. Information is updated regularly, so please check you are referring to the most recent version. Seek medical advice, as appropriate, for concerns regarding your child’s health.