Diaper Slit Perineal Bag Urine Sampling.

OBJECTIVE: Many indications justifiably drive the pediatrician to request a urine sample in order to assess the health status of the incontinent baby or infant. Urine collection by means of an adhesive perineal bag is the most widely used in children who do not control urine emission, despite its inaccurate reflection of bacteriuria. We suggest a novel technique to immediately visualize the micturition event upon occurrence, in attempt to shorten waiting times and exhausting checking and rechecking opaque diapers in order to determine whether the desired sample has finally been delivered.

METHODS: The perineal urine collection bag is pulled through a vertical slit created in the front of the disposable diaper. The bag is now visible at all times.

RESULTS: In general, waiting times appear shortened since the implementation of this practice. Since the adoption of this technique at a number of our clinics, we have not experienced bag displacement as was previously experienced. Forgoing the need to manipulate the diaper and repeatedly awakening irritable infants was gladly welcomed by parents.

CONCLUSIONS: Widespread adoption of the diaper slit technique seems a promising procedure enhancing comfort and facilitating the process of obtaining a urine sample in the incontinent child. Assumptions that this procedure actually shortens waiting times and raises the success rates of sample retrieval remain to be proven by formal comparative trials.