UTI, Urine sample and help needed

[Blessed_Mom]

Hi,

My 19 mo daughter is clutching her vagina and crying a lot. I suspected UTI and took her to the doc who has asked for a urine sample. Problem is she is not potty trained so I don't know how to collect a sample. I tried holding a container and making her pee but after many tries got only drops.... How do I go about it?

Also are there any wise words about UTIs or just abx are the route? Thanks.

[raqi]

Poor thing!  I don't know how much time you have to get the sample, but if she'll be sleeping in the meantime, try putting her over the container (do you have a potty?) immediately upon waking.  We do this w/ DD (our very casual version of ECing) and she always pees.  As far as treating the infection, I always do cranberry for my UTIs (pure juice and pills) - not sure about it's safety or efficacy in children, but I don't see how it could hurt.  Good luck!

[CrunchyChristianMama]

I would get a potty chair and plop it in front of the tv (even if she doesn't usually get to watch it) with a big glass of apple juice (even if she doesn't usually get to drink it).  The combo should produce a nice sample in the potty.  :)

If that doesn't work, does she like to read books?  You could just try having her sit on it while you go through a mound of books and hope you catch some.

[pbjmama]

Your doctor really should have instructed you on how to get the sample. A urine sample for UTI needs to be a clean catch. For children who are not potty trained they ususally have a 'bag' of sorts that is taped to the child for collection. General procedure would be to take her into the office for the catch. I would call and see if that is possible and if it is load her up on liquids on the way in!

[Baby_Cakes]

I 2nd pbjmama.  The nurses should be able to clean the area, place the bag on her bits, and then let you two sit and wait until she pees in the sterile bag.  They even showed me how they put a little cut in the diaper and pull the bag thru so it isn't sitting in the diaper irritating the area.

[Marissamom]

when we had to get a urine sample for possible UTI, the nurse catheterized DD. DD was running a bad fever, so it was a lot faster than waiting for a catch.