Catheter specimen urines: are they worth culturing?

Urinary tract infections are the most commonly acquired bacterial infections, but the significance of growths from catheter-related specimens, particularly heavy mixed growths, is uncertain and can pose a dilemma for the clinical laboratory responsible for processing and authorising reports, as well as a diagnostic dilemma for clinicians. Furthermore, inappropriate processing and reporting of samples may lead to inappropriate treatment of patients, which can result in adverse effects as well as increased laboratory and clinical costs. This short communication summarises recent evidence and guidelines on the matter.