A simple and efficient urine sampling method for bacteriological examination in elderly women

Abstract

Aim: to determine how collecting urine voided directly into a container compares with urine obtained by suprapubic aspiration. Method: urine samples were collected in a sterile recipient placed in the toilet or in the bed-pan during voiding, after the vulval region had been cleaned by water. These samples were compared with samples of the same urine obtained by suprapubic aspiration. The samples were examined for pyuria and bacteriuria. Applying the Kass criteria on the voided urine specimen and assessing the presence of leucocyturia, it was possible to differentiate urinary tract infection, asymptomatic bacteriuria and contamination. Results: all 13 cases of infection found on suprapubic aspiration were also identified by this sampling technique. The technique produced four false-positive results. Conclusion: this simple sampling method may not only obviate the need for suprapubic aspiration but also for bladder catheterization in the diagnosis of urinary tract infection in many elderly women.

Residual Urine as a Risk Factor for Lower Urinary Tract Infection: A 1‐Year Follow‐Up Study in Nursing Homes

“…This proved to be a reliable method of collecting urine samples from incontinent patients. 18,19 All urine samples were collected in sterile bowls.…”

Urinary Tract Infections in the Elderly

“…The definition of UTI, proposed by the Centre for Diseases and Prevention, includes the presence of two or more of the following symptoms: fever, pain related to voiding, delirium, reduced general condition, new or worsened urinary incontinence or urinary frequency, foul-smelling urine or muddy and concentrated urine [17]. Given this, there is a pervasive and persistent belief that urinary tract infection in older people presents with non-specific symptoms of lethargy, malaise, and anorexia, despite being demonstrated to be untrue almost 30 years ago [18].…”

Systematic review of nursing management of urinary tract infections in the cognitively impaired elderly client in residential care: Is there a hole in holistic care?

“…Evidence suggested that in this population group, urine collected in a sterile container during normal voiding after cleaning the pere‐urethral region with water is a reliable method. Specimens obtained from urethral catheterization were not recommended because of the potential for introducing infection during the process 17 …”