A New Scoring Method in Evaluation of Urine Samples

Objective: The aim of this study was to find a scoring method before carrying out a culture in patients with urinary system infections. Methods: The urine samples of 550 patients sent to our laboratory were cultured with standard methods. Pyuria and bacteriuria were evaluated with microscopic examination of the urine. Combur 10-Test M 100 (Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Mannheim, Germany) was used for leucocyte esterase (LE) and nitrite tests. Symptoms of patients were recorded.Results: Bacterial growth in 68 (12.4%) and contamination in 24 (4.4%) cases was detected, while there was no growth in 458 (83.3%) cases. Groups of five (symptom, Thoma counting chamber, Gram stain, LE and nitrite), four (symptom, Gram stain, LE and nitrite) and three (symptom, Gram stain and nitrite) parameters were evaluated. Culture was positive in all 38 patients with 2 or more score points in the three-parameter group. Thus, sensitivity of the method was 100% when at least two parameters of symptom, Gram stain and nitrite were positive.Conclusions: In conclusion, three parameters can be a guide for preliminary diagnosis and empirical therapy before urine culture, although the culture method is still the gold standard in diagnosing urinary system infection.