Assessment of haematuria: automated urine flowmetry vs microscopy.
BACKGROUND
Microscopy of the urine sediment may be a useful method in the distinction between a glomerular and a non-glomerular source of urinary bleeding. However, microscopic techniques are time consuming and hampered by inter-observer variations. In the present study we have therefore compared bright-field microscopy with automated urine flowmetry (Sysmex UF-100), examining their ability to differentiate between glomerular and non-glomerular haematuria.


METHODS
Fresh urine samples were obtained from 112 patients with a well-defined, single cause of a positive dipstick test. Their urine specimens were examined within 4 h in a blinded manner. Of them, 79 specimens had a positive dipstick for blood and thus could be evaluated for haematuria.


RESULTS
The Sysmex UF-100 had a sensitivity and specificity of 0.83 and 0.94 respectively in detecting non-glomerular bleeding. The positive and negative predictive values were 0.95 and 0.78 respectively. The corresponding values of microscopy were 0.79 and 0.90 respectively, and 0.93 and 0.74 respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Automated flowmetry can be used in the distinction between glomerular and non-glomerular haematuria.
Apeland
T
T
Department of Medicine, Rogaland Central Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.
Mestad
O
O
Hetland
O
O
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001331:Automation; D004231:Diuresis; D005260:Female; D006417:Hematuria / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008853:Microscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012212:Rheology / Q000592:standards; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis