[Asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women]

Abstract

Background: We wanted to determine the usefulness of chemical dipstick tests and office culture in diagnosing asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women in general practice.

Material and methods: Dipstick and office urine culture were compared with standard culture results from a microbiology laboratory. The comparison was based on 294 urine samples obtained from pregnant women in a standard general practice setting.

Results: Asymptomatic bacteriuria was found in 16 out of 294 urine samples. The sensitivity of dipstick tests was less than 30%. The positive predictive value was 100% for the nitrite test and 40% for office culture.

Interpretation: Standard urine culture is the only way to diagnose asymptomatic bacteriuria.