Evaluation of a commercially available semi-automated bioluminescence system for bacteriuria screening

A commercially available semi-automated bioluminescence adenosine triphosphate assay system for rapid detection of significant bacteriuria was evaluated. Excellent reproducibility of results using the bioluminescence apparatus was noted, and there was no bacterial carry-over using a pre-diluter. The results obtained with 2,000 urine specimens tested by bioluminescence and a routine cultural technique were compared. The bioluminescence system gave no false negative results and a bioluminescence positive/culture negative finding of 13.6% in general specimens and 45.0% in ante-natal and maternity specimens. In the latter group, the majority of urines yielded growth of lactobacilli and/or diphtheroids (less than 10(4) organisms/ml) when subcultured on enriched media. Results indicated that bioluminescence may identify urinary tract infections in patients receiving antimicrobial therapy. The advantages of this 45 minute technique for bacteriuria screening are presented.