Electrochemical detection of bacteria in urine - by following changes in oxygen or carbon di:oxide concn., suitable for routine screening

摘要

Detecting bacteria in biological fluids, esp. urine, comprises electrochemical determination of the variation with time of the O2 or CO2 concns. O2 and CO2 concns. are determined using the appropriate specific electrode. The O2/CO2 concns. are directly proportional to the no. of living bacteria in the sample and their metabolic activity. Used for detecting bacteriuraemia of 105 cells/ml; for routine screening (esp. of clinically asymptomatic pyelonephritis) and for monitoring the progress of existing urinary tract infections. The method is relatively simple uses appts. already available and can be completely automated. Unlike known methods, it has a sensitivity of 100% and takes is not 1 hr. per test, usually 20-30 mins. and only living bacteria are detected.