Changing a urine collection pad (UCP) every 30 minutes reduced contamination of urine samples more than a UCP kept in the nappy in children with suspected urinary tract infection.

Intervention: replacement of the UCP every 30 minutes until urine was passed (replaced UCP) (n = 38) or no replacement of the UCP (single UCP) (n = 42). The child’s perineum was cleaned with soap, and the reusable enuresis alarm sensor (Drinite Audio fx 2000 personal enuresis alarm, Ferraris Medical Ltd, Enfield, UK) was cleaned with an alcohol swab before each use. Wearing gloves, the nurse buried the alarm sensor inside the UCP (sterile packed, Newcastle Urine Collection Pack, Ontex Ltd, Corby, UK; NHS Supplies), which was then placed inside the front of the child’s nappy. An audio alarm was attached to the child’s clothing or placed near the cot. The UCP was removed when the enuresis alarm signalled passage of urine. UCPs soiled with faeces were discarded, and a repeat sample was attempted. The urine sample (>0.5 ml) was aspirated from the UCP with a 20 ml syringe and sent for bacterial culture, identification, and sensitivity testing.