Comparison of the Quick-Wee Method and Standard Clean-Catch for Urine Collection and their Diagnostic Quality in Febrile Infants

Abstract

Background: Accurate diagnosis of Urinary tract infection depends on obtaining a reliable urine sample. However, urine collection in precontinent infants is challenging. The Quick-Wee method, which uses suprapubic cutaneous stimulation has emerged as a non-invasive alternative. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Quick-Wee method and compare the diagnostic quality of urine samples collected using this method with standard clean-catch urine collection in febrile infants. Methods: Comparative observational randomized controlled trial at a tertiary care centre. Febrile infants were randomized to urine collection by either the Quick-Wee method or the standard clean-catch method. Only infants in whom urine was successfully collected within five minutes were included. Urine samples were evaluated using microscopy, dipstick analysis, and culture. Contamination was defined as mixed bacterial growth. Results: A total of 182 infants were enrolled, of whom 40 had successful urine collection (29 Quick-Wee, 11 clean-catch). The success rate of urine collection was significantly higher in the Quick-Wee group (31.8%) compared with the clean-catch group (12.1%) (p = 0.009). Rates of pyuria, dipstick positivity, and culture positivity were comparable between the two groups. Contamination rates were 12.0% in the Quick-Wee group and 18.2% in the clean-catch group, with no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: The Quick-Wee method provides urine samples of diagnostic quality comparable to standard clean-catch collection while offering a higher success rate. It is a reliable, non-invasive, and practical technique for urine collection.