Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the inflammatory disorders of the urinary tract caused by the abnormal growth of pathogens. Microscopy of urine is of diagnostic value and culture is still the gold standard for isolation of bacteria. However presumptive approach with non -culture rapid screening tests is more practical and cost-effective to manage UTI. The present study is therefore being undertaken to evaluate the usefulness of several laboratory based rapid screening tests compared to culture. The study was undertaken in the Department of Microbiology, Goa Medical College on 200 urine samples that were collected randomly from patients, attending the Out Patient Department. Urine samples were collected from patients with a provisional diagnosis of urinary tract infections, based on clinical history alone of patients who have not received any antibiotic treatment. Each sample was processed as follows: i) Semi quantitative culture ii) Non culture screening tests: a)Wet mount examination b) Gram staining c) Griess nitrite test d) Triphenyl Tetrazolium Chloride test e) Catalase test f) Leucocyte Esterase dipstick test. | A study of screening tests for the presumptive diagnosis of significant bacteriuria in urinary tract infections
