The reliability and validity of using the urine dipstick test by patient self‑assessment for urinary tract infection screening in spinal cord injury patients

Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 2017 · DOI: 10.4103/2249-4863.222024 · Published: July 1, 2017

Simple Explanation

This study focuses on using urine dipstick tests, performed by patients themselves, to screen for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The study compares the accuracy of these self-administered dipstick tests with the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) criteria, a standard method for diagnosing UTIs in SCI patients. The goal is to determine if patients can reliably use urine dipstick tests at home to detect potential UTIs, allowing for earlier detection and management.

Study Duration

12 Months

Participants

56 SCI patients with neurogenic bladder

Evidence Level

Diagnostic study

Key Findings

1
The interrater reliability of combined leukocyte esterase and nitrite urine dipstick test was moderate agreement.
2
The combined leukocyte esterase and nitrite urine dipstick test showed high level of both sensitivity and specificity.
3
The nitrite urine dipstick test showed the highest sensitivity (90%).

Research Summary

This study evaluated the reliability and validity of urine dipstick tests performed by SCI patients for UTI screening, compared to the NIDRR criteria. The interrater reliability of the combined leukocyte esterase and nitrite test showed moderate agreement between patient self-assessment and laboratory results. The combined leukocyte esterase and nitrite urine dipstick test is good for UTI screening in SCI patients.

Practical Implications

Promote Self-Assessment

Encourage SCI patients to use urine dipstick tests for self-screening of UTIs.

Improve Primary Care

Equip primary care physicians and community health workers with urine dipstick tests for UTI screening, especially in areas lacking urine culture facilities.

Reduce Antibiotic Overtreatment

Utilize urine dipstick tests to reduce the number of negative urine samples sent for culture, potentially decreasing unnecessary antibiotic use.

Study Limitations

1
The study population was limited to patients attending a single rehabilitation department.
2
Sample size of 56 participants
3
The interrater reliability of combined leukocyte esterase and nitrite urine dipstick test were lower agreement level than the previous study.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury