An automated test for the detection of significant bacteriuria

A fully automated technique for the rapid detection of significant bacteriuria is described. The method, which depends on the detection of bacterial adenosine triphosphate (A.T.P.) by bioluminescence, was found to have better sensitivity than a conventional cultural technique which uses a standardised loop. Results were available in 30 minutes. In the 957 urine samples tested, specificity was 84.5% relative to a pour-plate technique; results were not affected by the presence of non-bacterial elements.