The "uroscreen" test for significant bacteriuria in pregnancy

ABSTRACT

A series is described in which 500 mid stream specimens of urine were collected from 265 women in the antenatal and postnatal period, and the results of the "Uroscreen" test and plate culture were correlated. Analysis of the results showed only a 50 percent correlation. In the 249 antenatal women there was a 10.9 percent incidence of significant bacteriuria by plate culture, and the "Uroscreen" correlated in 72.8 percent of these cases. There was only a 66.6 percent, instead of an expected 80 percent, confirmation of the first plate culture; and this is felt to reflect the fact that the urines were not examined when freshly voided. Of those found to have significant bacteriuria, 22.7 percent were found to have renal abnormality, on radiological examination. From this small series and an examination of the literature, it is concluded that for consistent results two consecutive, freshly voided, mid stream, early morning specimens of urine, which has been in the bladder for at least two hours must be examined. A delay of more than an hour or two, or refrigeration at 4§C for 24 hours or more before examination may yield unreliable information. It is urged that as significant bacteriuria was found for the first time in the puerperium. It is felt that the presence of significant bacteriuria in mothers might indicate those infants who could profitably have urine examination. A current investigation is being undertaken to test "Uroscreen" against a standard of an expected 95 percent accuracy. (AU)