Diagnostic Studies for UTIs

• What does dipstick urinalysis initially test for?

  Nitrites, WBCs, leukocyte esterase
• What do nitrites in a urinalysis indicate?

  Presence of bacteriuria
• When is a urine culture indicated?

  For complicated or recurrent UTIs
• What is the preferred method for urine culture collection?

  Voided midstream clean-catch sample
• What are alternative methods for urine culture collection?

  Catheterization, suprapubic needle aspiration
• What is the purpose of sensitivity testing in urine cultures?

  To determine antibiotic resistance
• What imaging studies are used for suspected urinary obstruction?

  IVP or abdominal CT scan
• Why would a urine culture be performed if a UTI is unresponsive to antibiotics?

  To identify the causative organism and resistance
• What does WBCs stand for in urinalysis?

  White blood cells
• What does leukocyte esterase indicate in a urinalysis?

  Presence of white blood cells