Urinalysis Test for Kids

Urinalysis or urine tests are ordered for kids to determine that the kidneys and certain other body organs are working well. Moreover, these tests are conducted when a physician believes that your kid might have infections in the kidneys, bladder, or other parts of the urinary tract.

How Urinalysis Test Works

It is a simple test used by doctors to find out if a kid has a urinary tract infection or UTI or medical conditions leading to an abnormality in the urine. The test is used to detect the:

• The presence of red and white blood cells
• the presence of bacteria 
• The presence of glucose that is generally not found in the urine
• The pH level to determine the acidic nature of the urine
• The concentration of the urine

How a Urinalysis is Done

Generally, the urine sample is taken and stored in a clean container. Then, a dipstick containing certain patches of chemicals on its end is placed in the urine. If the patches change color, it indicates that the urine contains white blood cells or glucose. Next, the same urine sample is assessed under a microscope to look for the substances that show different conditions. But if the dipstick or microscopic test shows red blood cells, white blood cells, or bacteria, the urine can be sent to a lab to check the bacteria being responsible for the infection. 

How to Get Urine Sample from Your Kid

Although taking a urine sample sounds easy, it can be challenging with kids. This is because they can’t wee when asked. 

• Give them a drink such as a cup, bottle or breastfeed. Most kids can wee within one hour. 
• Keep the sample container ready. 
• Remove the nappy of your kid
• Wear gloves if possible or thoroughly wash your hands before taking the sample.
• Exfoliate the skin near the genitals. If you have access to them, use baby wipes or clean plastic tweezers that have been dipped in water.
• Continue to watch until your youngster wees. When the pee arrives, be prepared to collect a sample of urine in the container.
• Gently rubbing your child’s lower abdomen (tummy) for a few minutes with a clean piece of gauze dipped in cold water will help them urinate (Figure 2). 
• When collecting the pee, keep the container away from your child’s skin (Figure 3). This is necessary to prevent microorganisms from your skin or those of your child from contaminating the urine sample.

In The Case of Older Kids

Children who are older and can wee when prompted can provide a midstream specimen. A sample jar will be given to you by your doctor.

• If gauze is not readily accessible, clean the skin surrounding the genital area with baby wipes, damp tissues, or a clean, wet face washer.
• Allow some wee to enter the toilet when your toddler begins to urinate.
• Take a sample of the urine around halfway through the pee (midstream).
• Keep the sample container away from skin contact.

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