The automicrobic system for detection of bacteriuria. Efficacy of revised urine identification cards

The results of clinical urine specimens tested in the Vitek AutoMicrobic System (AMS) using two different urine identification (UID) cards were compared with the results obtained by a quantitative culture method. AMS injector UID card results were evaluated with the use of 1,136 consecutive clinical specimens collected March 4 to May 23, 1983. Revised AMS UID cards were used to test 1,634 clinical specimens from November 8, 1983, to March 2, 1984. The revised UID card was less sensitive, more specific, had a greater predictive value for positive results, and had greater accuracy than the injector UID card in detecting organisms in urine. The revised urine card accurately quantified organisms in 90.1% of specimens versus 85.1% in injector cards. The revised card was superior in the predictive value of positive identification of urinary pathogens. Ninety percent of all organisms were identified within nine hours with either card. Improved accuracy of the revised cards makes it practical to electronically report automated urine screening results (detection, quantitation, and preliminary identification of urinary pathogens) by interfacing the AMS with hospital information systems.