Lap. Detorres et al., VALIDATION OF A RAPID DIAGNOSTIC METHOD OF URINARY-INFECTION IN A SCHOOL POPULATION, Revista Clinica Espanola, 192(5), 1993, pp. 209-213
Validity of visual reading of a reactive strip is measured, in compari
son with automatized reading and the exam of the urinary sediment, in
562 school pupils with ages between 6 and 16 years. Using urine cultur
e as standard reference, sensibility of the leukocyte-esterase (L-E) t
est, nitrites and red cells was 66.7%, 33.3% and 66.7% respectively, f
or the visual reading; 66.7%, 33.3% and 33.3% for automatized reading,
respectively; and 66.7% for leukocyturia, and 33.3% for hematuria in
the urine sediment. Specificity of tests was 84.9%, 99% and 42.7% for
L-E, nitrites and red cells, in visual reading; 92.5%, 100% and 80.8%
for the same tests in automatized reading, and 94.5% (leukocyturia) an
d 86.3% (red cells) in the urinary sediment. Validity of these diagnos
tic methods results different depending on the population they are app
lied to. Even though the multi-urine test is still the most effective
test in a symptomatic population and the less expensive, it would be n
ot recommendable its use as a screening test in a school population wi
th hidden urinary infection.