How to collect a urine sample using pads or collection bags

How to collect a urine sample using pads or collection bags

How to collect a urine sample using pads or collection bags

For babies and young children

Version 1. Published: July 2026. Revision date: July 2029

Developed with healthcare professionals, patients and professional medical bodies. TARGET is operated by the UK Health Security Agency

You can access more information about this leaflet here.

Urine collection bags

1

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after collecting the sample.

2

Clean and dry the child’s genital area.

3

Stick the bag securely to the skin around the genitals, then put a nappy on.

4

When the child has finished peeing, wash your hands, gently remove the bag, cut a corner and pour the urine (pee) into the sterile container. Don’t let the bag touch the inside of the container.

5

Put the lid on the container straight away and tighten it securely.

Urine collection pads

1

Clean your hands before and after collecting the sample.

2

Put the pad inside the nappy and have the child wear it as usual. Check the pad every 10 minutes to see if it is wet. Do not leave a pad in for more than 30 minutes, as this increases the risk of germs getting into the sample.

3

Start the process again with a fresh pad every 30 minutes, or if the child has a poo, until the child has peed on one.

4

Wash your hands before removing the pad. Use the syringe provided to draw the urine from the pad and transfer it to the sterile container. Don’t touch the inside of the container with the syringe.

5

Put the lid on the container straight away and tighten it securely.

6

Do not use cotton wool, gauze or any other pads, as they can affect the test results.

General points

  • Clean and dry the child’s genitals before collecting the sample.
  • Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after collecting a urine sample.
  • Do not open the sterile container until you are ready to collect the sample.
  • Only use pads or bags if your healthcare provider has given them to you and explained how to use them. Follow any instructions they give you.
  • Avoid touching the inside of the container, and avoid letting the child’s genitals touch any part of it.
  • Label the container before collecting the sample if your healthcare professional has asked you to.

Summary information

Why do I need to carefully follow instructions when using devices to collect a urine sample?

Following the steps properly helps prevent germs from getting in the sample, which makes the results more reliable.

Can I use a jar or container from home?

You should use the container your healthcare professional has given you to collect the sample.

Does it matter when I collect the sample?

Try to collect the sample as close to your appointment as possible to get the best quality sample.

Tips for returning a urine sample

  • Return the sample quickly

    Take it to your healthcare provider as soon as possible – ideally within two hours.

  • Keep it cool

    If you cannot deliver the sample quickly, put it in a plastic bag and store it in the fridge until you can do so.

  • Check drop-off times

    Ask when the latest drop‑off time is, so the sample can reach the lab the same day.

  • Use special sterile containers

    Some containers have a preservative powder and a marked fill line. Try to fill to the line, but if you can’t, just collect as much urine as you can.