Rapid Detection of Pediatric Bacteriuria Using Narrow Angle Forward Laser Scattering Technology (NAFLST) with Bacterioscan

摘要

BackgroundPediatric urinary tract infections (UTI) are common, but culture-based diagnosis can take up to 48 hours. This time delay means patients are exposed to potentially unnecessary antibiotics. The sensitivity of screening urinalysis can vary, so rapid detection of UTI by another means would be beneficial. Narrow Angle Forward Laser Scattering Technology (NAFLST) with Bacterioscan can rapidly detect bacteriuria by shining a laser continuously through a liquid sample containing replicating bacteria, and graphing the degree of light refraction over time. Higher degrees of light refraction represent higher initial bacterial load and continued bacterial growth. After 3 hours, the optical scatter classifies a sample as either Likely Positive or Likely Negative. We compared Bacterioscan results to culture data in pediatric patients to assess the ability to diagnose UTI and avoid unnecessary urine culture.