Leucocyte esterase determination as a secondary procedure for urine screening

The use of a dipstick to detect leucocyte esteraseuria (Chemstrip L) was compared with the visualisation of leucocytes in a Gram stained smear for the detection of pyuria. The sensitivity and specificity of the two systems using the predictive value theory were similar. The use of a dual screening procedure (automation plus dipstick) allowed reliable 4 h screening of urine specimens for the detection of urinary tract infections.