A Urinary Tract Infection Screen begins with a chemical urinalysis. Samples that are negative for nitrite, leucocyte esterase and protein will be reported as UTI screen negative. These samples will not be cultured. Samples in which one or more of these is positive may be cultured. Because the human eye cannot distinguish subtle colour changes reliably, the chemical urinalysis tests must be read by an appropriate instrument.
Confirmation requires urine culture.
Ordering UTI Screen and Urine Culture and Sensitivity Current treatment guidelines for uncomplicated cystitis with classic symptoms do not require urine culture and sensitivity tests before beginning antibiotic treatment. Urine culture will be performed whenever it is specifically ordered or when the UTI screen is positive. A Comparison of Chemical Dipsticks Read Visually or by Photometry in the Routine Screening Of Urine Specimens in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory. Pathology 27, 91-96. Protocol for Macroscopic and Microscopic Urinalysis and Investigation of Urinary Tract Infection.