Impact of eliminating reflex urine cultures on performed urine cultures and antibiotic use

Am J Infect Control. 2016 Dec 1;44(12):1750-1751. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2016.04.232. Epub 2016 Jun 24.

Abstract

Inappropriate treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria is often the result of unnecessary urinalyses and urine cultures. This study aimed to determine the impact of stopping the practice of reflex urine cultures. Our study demonstrated that stopping urine reflex cultures decreased the number of urine cultures performed and there was a trend toward a decrease in antibiotic use.

Keywords: Urinary tract infection; asymptomatic bacteriuria; urine culture.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Asymptomatic Infections*
  • Bacteriological Techniques / methods
  • Bacteriological Techniques / statistics & numerical data*
  • Bacteriuria / diagnosis*
  • Bacteriuria / drug therapy*
  • Drug Utilization*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents