Use of portable ultrasound to assist urine collection by suprapubic aspiration.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether portable ultrasound can improve the success rate of suprapubic aspiration (SPA).


METHODS
Patients were randomly assigned to either ultrasound or no ultrasound groups. In the ultrasound group, patients underwent SPA if ultrasound revealed urine in the bladder: if no urine was present, patients underwent catheterization instead of SPA. In the no-ultrasound group, SPA was attempted without ultrasound. All unsuccessful SPAs were followed by catheterization and measurement of urine volume.


METHODS
Children's hospital-based pediatric emergency department.


METHODS
Children less than 2 years old who required SPA.


METHODS
Ultrasound versus no ultrasound.


RESULTS
Thirty-five patients were randomized to the ultrasound group, and 31 were randomized to the no-ultrasound group. SPA was successful in 79% of attempts in the ultrasound group compared with 52% in the no-ultrasound group (P = .04). The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound were 90% and 86%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Portable ultrasound can significantly improve the success rate of SPA and limit nonproductive attempts at SPA.
Gochman
R F
RF
Pennslylvania. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics.
Karasic
R B
RB
Heller
M B
MB
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003663:Decision Trees; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007224:Infant Care; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D013396:Suction / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000592:standards; D014556:Urine / Q000737:chemistry*