Use of nitrite dipstick test in the screening for urinary tract infection in children

A prospective study of one hundred and eighty five children attending the paediatric units of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria were evaluated for urinary tract infection (UTI) by culture, microscopy and nitrite dipstick test. There were 118 males and 67 females (M:F = 1:1:1). Positive urine culture with significant bacteria was found in 45 samples (24.3%). Urine microscopy for leukocyturia was significant in 55 urine samples. Significant leukocyturia correctly identified 23 of the 45 culture positive urine samples, giving a sensitivity of 51.1%. Nitrite dipstick test correctly identified 13 of the 45 urine samples with proven UTI (28.9% sensitivity). The positive and negative values were 72.2% and 80.8% respectively. The nitrite dipstick test was found to be less sensitive than significant leukocyturia in detecting UTI. It is concluded that although the urinary nitrite dipstick test has an excellent specificity, it is not sensitive enough as a routine screening test for urinary tract infection in children.