Predicting bacteriuria in urogynecology patients.
OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to determine whether reagent strip testing can predict bacteriuria in urogynecology patients.


METHODS
All women undergoing urodynamic evaluations from June 1997 to October 2001 were identified by using a computerized database. Urine culture results were compared with reagent strip testing. Significant bacteriuria was defined as greater than 10(5) colony-forming units per milliliter.


RESULTS
Bacteriuria prevalence was 8.6% (n = 51). Sensitivity and specificity of nitrites were 0.51, (95% CI, 0.31-0.66) and 0.991, (95% CI, 0.974-0.998), respectively. Blood had a lower sensitivity (0.35, 95% CI, 0.20-0.54) and specificity (0.80, 95% CI, 0.75-0.84). Leukocyte esterase was similar to blood with a sensitivity of 0.28 (95% CI, 0.14-0.45) and specificity of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.78-0.87). No combination of tests offered improved sensitivity or specificity over nitrites alone.


CONCLUSIONS
Nitrite dipstick testing has excellent specificity for bacteriuria in urogynecologic patients. These results support the treatment of women with positive nitrites who are preparing to undergo urodynamics without obtaining culture.
Rahn
David D
DD
Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA.
Boreham
Muriel K
MK
Allen
Katrina E
KE
Nihira
Mikio A
MA
Schaffer
Joseph I
JI
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001437:Bacteriuria / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D002265:Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases / Q000097:blood; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000652:urine*; D006417:Hematuria / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009573:Nitrites / Q000652:urine; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D011934:Reagent Strips / Q000592:standards*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000652:urine*
D009573:Nitrites; D011934:Reagent Strips; C021443:leukocyte esterase; D002265:Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases