Abstract
Five hundred twenty-five random clean catch urine specimens, collected from 339 adult females, 137 adult males, and 49 pediatric patients, were screened for the presence of bacteriuria with the Uriscreen catalase test and with the Chemstrip 2 LN dipstick. Quantitative cultures were performed on all specimens. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the catalase test, with 105 CFU/ml as the threshold for significant bacteriuria, were 91.3%, 72.3%, 33.7%, and 98.0%, respectively. Values for the dipstick were 83.9%, 77.9%, 43.7%, and 96.0%. when 104 CFU/ml was used as the threshold, the catalase test had a sensitivity of 89.2%, specificity of 70.4%, positive predictive value of 37.3%, and a negative predictive value of 97.0%. Values for the dipstick at that level were 82.3%, 77.5%, 48.6%, and 94.8%. While the catalase test was more sensitive than the dipstick, it was our opinion that high rates of false-negatives associated with these methods negated the convenience of these fast and simple urine screens.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Literature Cited
Alexander MK, Khan MS, Dow CS (1981) Rapid screening for bacteriuria using the particle counter, pulse height analyser and computer. J Clin Pathol 34:194–198
Berger SA, Bogokowsky B, Block C (1990) Rapid screening of urine for bacteria and cells by using a catalase reagent. J Clin Microbiol 28:1066–1067
Gutman SI, Solomon RR (1987) The clinical significance of dipstick-negative, culture-positive urines in a veterans population. Am J Clin Pathol 88:204–209
Juchau VS, Nauschuetz WF (1984) Evaluation of a leukocyte esterase and nitrite test strip for the detection of bacteriuria. Curr Microbiol 11:119–122
Kass EH: Bacteriuria and pyelonephritis in pregnancy (1960) Arch Intern Med 105:194–198
Kass EH, Finland M (1956) Asymptotic infections of the urinary tract. Trans Assoc Am Physicians 69:56–64
Pels RJ, Bor DH, Woolhandler S, Himmelstein DU, Lawrence RS (1989) Dipstick urinalysis screening of asymptomatic adults for urinary tract disorders. J Am Med Assoc 262:1221–1224
Schifman RB, Weiden M, Brooker J, et al. (1984) Bacteriuria screening by direct luminescence assay of ATP. J Clin Microbiol 20:644–648
Smith TK Eggington R, Pease AA, Harris DM, Spencer RC (1985) Evaluation of the Malthus 128H microbiological growth analyzer for detecting significant bacteriuria. J Clin Pathol 38:926–928
Smith TK, Hudson AJ, Spencer RC (1988) Evaluation of six screening methods for detecting significant bacteriuria. J Clin Pathol 41:904–909
Stamm WE, Counts GW, Running KR, et al. (1982) Diagnosis of coliform infection in acutely dysuric women. N Engl J Med 307:463–468
Wright DN Saxon B, Matsen JM (1986) Use of the Bac-T-Screen to predict bacteriuria from urine specimens held at room temperature. J Clin Microbiol 24:214–217
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Nauschuetz, W.F., Harrison, L.S., Trevino, S.B. et al. Two rapid urine screens for detection of bacteriuria: An evaluation. Current Microbiology 26, 43–45 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01577241
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01577241