Affiliations: Neonatal Department, Maternité Régionale
Universitaire de Nancy, Nancy, France | Paediatric Nephrology Department, Centre Hospitalier
Universitaire de Nancy, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France | Lorraine University, EA4360 APEMAC,
Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France | Biology Department, Maternité Régionale
Universitaire de Nancy, Nancy, France
Abstract: Urine analysis in neonates requires invasive or skin-abrasive
techniques for urine collection. We determined validity of the measurements of
some urine biomarkers when urine was squeezed from cotton balls, and if urine
samples could be collected in cotton balls in neonates. 1) Urine was collected
in volunteer subjects, divided into aliquots of 5 mL fresh urine samples and 5
mL urine samples squeezed from cotton balls. Urine ionogram, albumin,
beta-2-microglobulin, and proteins were measured in both samples. Imprecision
was measured and compared to the relative variation of the biomarker results
measured with both urine collection techniques. Bland and Altman graphs were
performed. 2) Cotton balls were used to collect urine samples in neonates to
test if this collection technique was feasible. Results: 60 subjects were
included, 30 volunteer subjects and 30 neonates. Collecting urine in cotton
balls did not significantly bias the results of sodium, potassium, chloride,
glucose, urea, and creatinine. Proteins concentrations were higher in fresh
urine, and calcium results were altered by the interference of calcium
hypochlorite used to whiten purified cotton. Biomarkers could be measured in
90% neonates with cotton balls. Collecting urine in cotton balls allows
measurements of sodium, potassium, chloride, glucose, urea, and creatinine in
neonates without damaging their skin.
Keywords: Neonate, cotton balls, urine, technique validation, urine bag
