Rapid detection of significant bacteriuria by use of an automated Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay

Previous studies have demonstrated that significant gram-negative bacteriuria can be detected by using the Limulus amoebocyte lysate test. A series of 580 urine specimens were tested in parallel with the automated MS-2 (Abbott Laboratories) assay and with quantitative urine bacterial cultures. The overall ability of the MS-2 Limulus amoebocyte lysate test to correctly classify urine specimens as containing either greater than or equal to 10(5) organisms or less than 10(5) organisms per ml during a 20-min test period was 92.6%.