EQUIPMENT FOR CATHETERIZATION OF FEMALE INFANTS

Abstract

THE IMPORTANCE of examining the urine of infants, especially females, cannot be overemphasized. It is getting a fresh specimen that sometimes presents the problem. This is true for the pediatrician making a home call and sometimes in office work. The apparatus to be described offers a sort of one-man catheter set that can be used in the home or office. Figure 1 shows that the apparatus can be carried in a medical bag; the 4-ounce, wide-neck bottle makes a small package. The equipment consists of a 4-ounce, wide-neck, Americantype bottle; a two-hole rubber stopper; two pieces of glass rod and a No. 8 soft rubber catheter. The apparatus is assembled, wrapped in a towel and autoclaved. Several of these sets can be kept ready. It is not often necessary to catheterize male infants. The catherization of female infants can be done in the home with the mother as the only assistant. The vaginal area is cleansed with soap, preferably Phisoderm®. The apparatus does not allow for the escape of the first few drops of urine before collecting; our experience has led us to believe that this is not necessary, if proper cleansing and inspection has been done. It is well to remember that the urethra of the female infant baby is "C" shaped. The meatus represents the bottom end of the "C." The catheter should be started downward. The thighs should be widely abducted but held fully extended, not flexed on the abdomen. This position will not angulate the "C" curve of the urethra. The specimen is collected in the stoppered bottle which does not require holding. This allows free use of both hands. The specimen is collected in a closed apparatus and offers a fresh specimen for study and culture.