[Simultaneous diagnostic studies of bacteriuria as related to method of urine collection]

In a direct comparative series were compared 204 functional, catheter, and mid-stream urines which were got simultaneously in patients with chronic pyelonephritis. In suprapubic vesical puncture 113 had a sterile urine, 91 showed a bacteriuria. After catheterisation 103 specimens were still sterile and 101 were bacterially infected. Of the mid-stream urines only 90 proved sterile, and 114 times pathogenic agents could be proved. While in males mid-stream urines achieved good results, in females a contamination was pretty frequent. Repeated investigations, estimation of the number of germs, and optimum taking essentially improve evidence. Though in females by means of catheterisation better bacteriological results may be achieved, in rare cases there is the danger of the invasion of germs. A clear judgment is possible, using the suprapubic vesical puncture.