The dipstick test in the diagnosis of UTI and the effect of pretreatment catheter exchange in catheter-associated UTI.

Abstract

We examined the value of the dipstick test for detecting pyuria and bacteriuria in the diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI). The dipstick esterase test could be quickly assessed and could easily detect leukocyte esterase in the urine. This was well correlated with the conventional sedimentation method. The dipstick nitrate reduction method for detecting bacteriuria, however, was not well correlated with the urine culture method. These findings suggested that the dipstick esterase test was a useful method for detecting pyuria in the diagnosis of UTI, but not the dipstick nitrate reduction method. Catheter-associated UTI is the most difficult category of UTI to treat and control. One of the reasons for this is the formation of biofilm around the indwelling catheter. We attempted to evaluate the effect of catheter exchange just before treatment of catheter-associated UTI with either 300 or 600 mg/day of levofloxacin, one of the newer quinolones. However, we are unable to find any apparent effect on the drug's efficacy.