Asymptomatic bacteriuria is a common, yet insignificant, finding that can lead to inappropriate treatment, including provision of unnecessary antimicrobials. This can exacerbate the development and spread of antimicrobial resistant organisms, which has significant healthcare cost and patient safety ramifications. Medical laboratory professionals can support antimicrobial stewardship by ensuring that urinalysis with culture only be performed on patients with appropriate symptoms by consulting with the ordering clinician or providing clear decision support systems.
Sources:
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Piggott KL, Trimble J, Leis JA. Reducing unnecessary urine culture testing in residents of long term care facilities. BMJ. 2023 Aug 9;382:e075566. doi: 10.1136/bmj-2023-075566. PMID: 37558239.
Vaughn VM, Gupta A, Petty LA, Malani AN, Osterholzer D, Patel PK, et al. A statewide quality initiative to reduce unnecessary antibiotic treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria. JAMA Intern Med. 2023 Sep 1;183(9):933-41. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.2749. PMID: 37428491.