Urine Measurement and Urinalysis in Newborn Services

 

 Reviewed by Jodie Draculan
November 2009
Clinical Guidelines Back Newborn Services Home Page
Overview Urine Measurements Urinalysis

Overview

Purpose
  • The following policy/recommended best practice outlines practice with regard to measuring and ward testing urine in the Newborn Service
Scope
  • Applies to all nursing staff working in Newborn Services.
Associated documents
  • Evaluating the Kidney and Renal Function.  In: Rudolph's Pediatrics (20th Ed).  Rudolph AM, Hoffman JIE, Rudolph CD (Eds).  Appleton and Lange, Conn, 1996.  (p.1331-1335).
  • Urinary catheterisation

Urine Measurements

The following infants should have urine output monitored in the NICU.

Step Action
1 All babies admitted to Level 3 in their first 5 days of life.
2 All babies who suffered intrauterine or intrapartum asphyxia.
3 Infants with cardiac anomalies including symptomatic PDA.
4 Infants with any renal impairment/anomaly identified on ultrasound e.g. reflux.
5 Hydropic/oedematous infants.
6 Muscle relaxed infants.
7 Infants with renal failure.
8 Babies receiving the following medications:
  • Diuretics
  • Indomethacin
  • Steroids
  • Inotropes

Urine testing

The following infants should have regular daily urine testing unless requested more frequently on ward round:

Step Action
1 Infants less than 1000g
2 Infants less than 28 weeks gestation.
3 Infants with suspected or confirmed infection, i.e, septicaemia or meningitis
4 Infants receiving:
  • Steroids
  • Insulin
  • Indomethacin