Objective: Clean-catch urine (CCU) samples are frequently contaminated. Our aim was to determine if cleaning with 0.1% chlorhexidine before CCU is a safe and feasible method to reduce contamination.
Methods: Prospective interventional pilot study. Children 1-24 months underwent perigenital skin cleaning with 0.1% chlorhexidine. Primary outcome was contamination rate, and secondary outcomes were parent and clinician satisfaction with the procedure.
Results: Twelve of 54 urine samples were contaminated (22%, 95% CI 13-35). Over 90% of parents and clinicians were either 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied'. No adverse events were recorded.
Conclusion: Cleaning with chlorhexidine solution before CCU is safe and feasible.
Keywords: clean-catch urine collection; contamination; paediatric emergency medicine; paediatrics; urinary tract infection.
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