Should we abandon standard microscopy when screening for urinary tract infections in young children?

Dipstick analysis is a screening test for urinary tract infection (UTI) in office practice. Standard urine microscopy is available offsite. We evaluated the usefulness of these tests on consecutive urine samples obtained by bladder catheterization in young children with a possible UTI. Thirty of 230 children had positive cultures. Dipstick analysis was specific (98%) but not sensitive (70%). Standard microscopy was not specific. Dipstick analysis and urine culture are useful tests for the diagnosis of UTI.