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Testing by Sysmex UF-100 flow cytometer and with bacterial culture in a diagnostic laboratory: a comparison
  1. R Evans,
  2. M M Davidson,
  3. L R W Sim,
  4. A J Hay
  1. Microbiology Department, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness IV2 3UJ, UK
  1. Correspondence to:
    R Evans
    Microbiology Department, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness IV2 3UJ, UK; roger.evans{at}haht.scot.nhs.uk

Abstract

A large proportion of the samples tested in routine diagnostic microbiology laboratory are urine samples. The gold standard is bacterial culture, but a high proportion of samples cultured are negative. Unnecessary testing can be reduced and an improved service provided by an effective screening test. The Sysmex UF-100 flow cytometer has been developed to count cells and casts accurately in urine samples. Its performance in a screening test was compared with bacterial culture by using 1005 consecutive urine samples, and cut-off criteria were established. Cut-off values of 3000 bacteria/μl and 111 WBC/μl provided the best discrimination. Of 1005 samples, 606 (60%) would be cultured. Sixteen samples that were not selected according to these criteria were culture positive. This was considered acceptable for our routine use. The use of a testing algorithm incorporating the Sysmex UF-100 flow cytometer has improved the quality and efficiency of urine testing within the routine microbiology laboratory.

  • WBC, white blood cells

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