Particle size distribution analysis for the rapid detection of microbial infection of urine.

The accuracy and practicality of particle size distribution analysis for rapid screening of urine specimens are assessed. Six hundred urines were subjected simultaneously to routine bacteriological examinations and particle size distribution analysis using a Coulter Counter (ZBI) linked to a C1000 Channelyzer. There was complete agreement in the results of 593 (98.8%) specimens. Characteristic profiles of various bacterial species in infected specimens were consistently obtained. This system can easily be linked to any existing computer reporting in a district hospital laboratory, and the results of negative specimens (70--80%) can be obtained within 5--10 minutes.