Abstract
Aim: To investigate the positive and negative predictive values for bacteriuria of a rapid chemical dipstick procedure for leukocytes and nitrite, and a microscopic examination for leukocytes and bacteria with a urine culture being the reference in patients with spinal cord lesion (SCL).
Methods: A prospective study. Significant bacteriuria was defined as ⩾105 CFU/mL. The microscopic examination for leukocytes was divided in four different cut-off limits for positive results.
Material: A total of 256 consecutive early morning urine samples were collected from 143 SCL patients admitted to our in-patient facility.
Results: One hundred and twenty-eight urine cultures revealed significant bacteriuria. Eighty-seven were infected by only one microorganism, 41 samples contained significant growth of more than one species. A total of 186 microorganisms in significant growth were identified.
Conclusion: Three or more leukocytes should be considered as a positive result. The dipstick and microscopy tests are equally valuable, considering the single tests as well as the combinations evaluated.
Spinal Cord (2000) 38, 106–108.
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Faarvang, K., Müller, P., Lomberg, B. et al. Screening for bacteriuria in patients with spinal cord lesion: Dipstick test, microscopic examination and urine culture. Spinal Cord 38, 106–108 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.sc.3100915
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.sc.3100915