Self-screening for significant bacteriuria. Evaluation of dip-strip combination nitrite/culture test
C. M. Kunin and J. E. DeGroot
A self-administered dip-strip device was used to screen for urinary tract
infection in female subjects. Fifty-two cases of significant persistent
bacteriuria were detected among 2,250 subjects by simultaneous use of
pourplate quantitative cultures. The dip-strip culture test had good
reliability in detecting Gram-negative organisms. Repeated nitrite tests,
performed on first-morning specimens and read by the patient, also had good
reliability in detecting Gram-negative bacteria. No false-positive test
occurred. The device is effective in screening out contaminants, thus
decreasing the need for repeated testing.
