Study to Determine Pediatric Bladder Volume Prior to Catheterization

Pediatric Volumetric Bladder Ultrasound Study

This is a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of bedside volumetric bladder ultrasound prior to transurethral catheterization of pediatric patients presenting to an emergency department with suspected urinary tract infection.

Ultrasound prior to catheterization allows Emergency Physicians to determine if the urine volume of the bladder is sufficient for successful catheterization. Advance knowledge of insufficient urine allows the Emergency Physician to defer the procedure until success is likely.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children 0-36 months of age
• Require urethral catheterization for urine analysis

Exclusion Criteria:

• Recently voided and unlikely to provide sufficient urine when catheterized
• Documented or suspected genitourinary abnormalities precluding urethral catheterization
• Indwelling catheter or urostomy
• Critical illness
• No available legal guardian or legal guardian does not understand English well enough to provide informed consent
• Technical failure of the utlrasound equipment