SUCCESS RATE OF A NOVEL NEW NON-INVASIVE STIMULATION TECHNIQUE FOR OBTAINING MIDSTREAM URINE IN NEONATES

Background: Sterile urine samples are required in neonates to exclude urinary tract infections. Urine collection especially in neonates is a challenge. Recommended method for accurate diagnosis is midstream clean catch sample of urine. In cases of dysfunction of bladder, few stimulation techniques are described in literature to facilitate bladder emptying. We used a technique described first by Herreros Fernandez who used the concept of stimulation for collection of midstream urine in neonates and children lacking sphincter control. This study was done to determine the success rate of anew non-invasive technique for obtaining midstream urine samples in neonates.  Methods: An interventional study was conducted at PAF Hospital Mushaf Sargodha over a period of 6months from 1st June 2024 to 30th November 2024 on 126 neonates of age less than 15 days. Bladder and lumbar stimulation technique was done by trained personnel to collect midstream urine. Success rate was main variable, which was measured as collection of midstream sample of urine within five minutes. Complications were measured as excessive crying and local redness due to massage. Results: In 85% of babies sample of mid-stream urine was successfully collected. Urine collection mean time was 1.73 minutes with 1.15 minutes median time and standard deviation of ± 1.25 minutes. There were no unwanted complications except controllable cry.  Conclusion: Bladder and lumbar stimulation is a safe, feasible and quick non invasive method of urine collection in neonates’ with minimal discomfort and maximum success rate.