Urine culture screening in lithotripsy compared with traditional methods

The authors compare biochemical screening tests with microscopy, cultures, and patient symptoms in 257 patients who visited the Urology-Lithotripsy Unit. They conclude that strip screening and microscopy were poor methods to screen for UTI in patients with stents and raise the question whether all stent patients or just symptomatic stent patients should have urine cultures. The authors also suggest that UTI can be eliminated as a diagnosis in 45% of non-stent patients by using strip screening and not doing further testing. These recommendations have quality improvement and cost effectiveness implications.