Bacteriuria Screening: Evaluation of Current Methods

Abstract

Diagnostic screens for patient specimens of high frequency such as blood and urine are advantageous in the current health care climate which places emphasis on cost containment and the rapid turn around time of result reporting. Over the past few years rapid diagnostic methods for the detection of bacteriuria have increased in availability for the clinical microbiology laboratory. The advantages and limitations of these new systems can be evaluated through the performance of carefully designed comparative studies with reference urine culture methods. By reviewing published reports as well as conducting in-house parallel studies microbiologists can evaluate the newer methods in terms of sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. Additional parameters to be considered during an evaluation include workload efficiency based on time studies, impact on routine workflow, hands-on technologist time, total turnaround time and cost effectiveness. Historically, microbiologists and other lab professionals have approached new technology either directly or indirectly with these parameters in mind. However, under the new hospital Medicare prospective payment programs based on diagnostic related groups (DRG) this approach to new methodologies is now essential in the day-to-day operation of the lab.