Chlorhexidine skin cleaning to reduce clean‐catch urine contamination in infants: A pilot study

Abstract

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.