Why does my child need a urine test?
Your child’s healthcare team will tell you why your child is having a urine test, and when you will get the results.
Common reasons for testing urine in children include:
- to find out more about their general health
- to find out whether they have a condition or an infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI)
- to check how well their kidneys are working (kidney function)
- to check whether treatment is working.
When to get the urine sample
Your doctor or nurse will let you know if you need to get the urine sample at a certain time of day. You may be asked to get the first morning urine. This is the urine that your child passes when they first wake up in the morning and go to the toilet.
Tips to help
Getting a urine sample can be embarrassing or difficult. Here are some tips to help you and your child.
- Explain to your child why they need a urine test.
- They may drink lots of fluids (like water) before to help them wee more easily.
- For babies and young children, you may like to have someone help you to get the urine sample.
- If your child has pain when weeing, you may be able to help by encouraging them to think about another part of their body.
- Ask your child’s healthcare team if they have any special equipment, such as a bedpan or a bag to hide the container.
Returning the urine sample
You will be given a label with your child’s details on to put on the container after you have collected the urine sample.
Return the urine sample to your child’s healthcare team as soon as possible.
If you cannot hand in the sample within two hours of the urine being collected, put the sealed container into a plastic bag, and store it in a fridge (not freezer) for up to 24 hours. If possible, take it to the clinic in a cool box or bag.
Urine tests may be used alongside blood tests to find out more information about your child’s health.
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