Testing by Sysmex UF-100 flow cytometer and with bacterial culture in a diagnostic laboratory: a comparison

J Clin Pathol. 2006 Jun;59(6):661-2. doi: 10.1136/jcp.2005.032847.

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/microl and 111 WBC/microl 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.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Infections / diagnosis*
  • Bacteriological Techniques / methods
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Flow Cytometry / methods
  • Humans
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Urinalysis / methods
  • Urinary Tract Infections / diagnosis*