Patient Education: Urine Collection from a Urostomy for Home UTI Testing

Patient Education: Urine Collection from a Urostomy for Home UTI Testing 

Why This Matters 

Collecting a clean urine sample from a urostomy is essential for accurate UTI testing. Improper technique can lead to contamination, false results, or unnecessary antibiotic use. 

What You’ll Need 

• Sterile specimen container (provided in your test kit) 

• Sterile gloves 

• Sterile gauze pads

• Cleansing solution (e.g., betadine or soap and water) 

• Water-soluble lubricant 

• 16 French catheter (if available) 

• New urostomy pouch (optional) 

• Soft paper towels or absorbent pad 

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Option 1: Preferred Method (Using a Catheter) 

Prepare 

- Wash your hands thoroughly. 
- Put on sterile gloves. 
- Remove the current urostomy pouch. 
- Place a towel or absorbent pad under the stoma. 

Clean the Stoma 

- Clean the stoma and surrounding skin using cleansing solution in a circular motion outward. 
- Blot dry with sterile gauze. 

Insert Catheter 

- Lubricate the catheter tip. 
- Gently insert the catheter 2–3 inches into the stoma. Do not force it. 
- Place the open end of the catheter into the sterile container. 
- Hold in place until urine begins to flow. 
- Collect 5–10 mL of urine. 

Finish Up 

- Remove the catheter gently. 
- Clean and dry the stoma. 
- Apply a new pouch. 
- Label the specimen and place it in the biohazard bag. 

Option 2: Alternate Method (If No Catheter Available) 

Note: This method may increase the risk of contamination. 

Prepare 

- Wash your hands thoroughly. 
- Put on sterile gloves. 
- Remove the current urostomy pouch. 
- Place a towel or absorbent pad under the stoma. 

Clean the Stoma 

- Clean the stoma and surrounding skin using cleansing solution in a circular motion outward. 
- Blot dry with sterile gauze. 

Collection 
- Allow urine to drip directly from the stoma into the sterile container. 
- Discard the first few drops onto sterile gauze before collecting. 
- Collect 5–10 mL of urine. 
- Label and store as above. 

Transporting the Sample 

- Best: Deliver to the lab or clinic within 1 hour. 
- If delayed: Refrigerate (not freeze) and deliver within 24 hours. 
- If mailing: Follow your test kit’s instructions. 

Avoid Before Collection 

- Collecting urine from a used pouch (can cause contamination) 
- Using creams or soaps near the stoma before collection 
- Taking antibiotics unless advised by your doctor 

Best Time to Collect 

- When symptoms are most noticeable 
- First thing in the morning (urine is more concentrated)