Lifespan's A - Z Health Information Library

Testing may be needed to find the cause of urine odor.

To obtain a clean-catch urine sample, males should wipe clean the head of the penis and females should wipe between the labia with soapy water and rinse well. Sometimes a special clean-catch kit is provided with cleansing solution and sterile wipes.

After urinating a small amount into the toilet bowl to clear the urethra of contaminants, collect a sample of urine in a clean or sterile container. About 1 - 2 ounces of urine is needed for a test. Remove the container from the urine stream without stopping the flow. You may finish voiding into the toilet bowl. Take the sample to the lab.

For infants:

Your infant's genital area will be cleaned and dried, then a collection device is attached to collect the urine. If you are asked to collect the urine, be sure the collection device is attached securely to prevent leakage. After your baby has urinated, the urine (at least 20 cc) is transferred to a sterile container for transport back to the health care provider. The specimen is then smelled in a laboratory or by the health care provider to determine its odor.

No special preparation is necessary for this test, but if the collection is being taken from an infant, a couple of extra collection bags may be necessary.

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

The normal odor of urine is aromatic.

Abnormal urine odor may indicate:

• Hepatic (liver) failure
• Ketonuria
• Maple sugar urine disease (very rare)
• Phenylketonuria (rare)
• Rectal fistula
• Urinary tract infection

There are no risks.

When urine sits at room temperature, some of the chemicals in the urine may break down and cause an ammonia-like odor.

Asparagus produces a characteristic odor in the urine.