The Diagnosis Of Urinary Tract Infections - Essay Example

Current references from medical and other peer reviewed sources were used to collect information for the discussion and evaluation. A discussion of urine analysis procedures, methods and evaluations is included. Examples are given and evidence to support conclusions about the evaluations and reasoning for choices of method are provided. These are provided to assist in making the choice of the best method to diagnose urinary tract infections under several different arenas and sets of circumstances.

Urinary Track Infections (UTIs) have been estimated as one of the most common bacteria infections. Except in neonates, UTI occur more frequently in females than in males. It is estimated that 20% of women will suffer a UTI during their lifetime. Furthermore, in both sexes, UTI reportedly accounts for approximately 7 million visits to outpatient clinics, 1milion visits to emergency departments and 100,000 hospitalisations annually. UTI also account for more than 23% of all hospital acquired infections and is the second most common cause of bacteremia in hospitalised patients (Graham and Galloway, 2001; Wilson and Loretta, 2004).

In all ages, the most common cause of infection as been shown to be enteric bacteria, especially Escherichia coli. This organism is known to multiply and colonise the perineum, and then ascend the urethra to infect the bladder (the most common site of infection), the kidney and adjacent structures (Graham and Galloway, 2001). While some UTIs are symptomatic, i.e. presenting with typical signs and symptoms like dysuria, fever, suprapubic heaviness and pain; others are asymptomatic (Wilson and Loretta, 2004; Manoni et al, 2002).

*UTI aew directly related to Escherichia coli (E. coli) , inj many instances. This is because the anus, a constant source of bacteria, is so close to the female urethra. More than 90 percent of cystitis cases are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) , a species of bacteria commonly found in the rectal area. Urinalysis, ChemStrip (BMC) and Multistix (Bayer) are two types of UTI tests used in labs. Otheres include UA-1000 and UA-2000 . Another test thatr was popular was the Yellow IRIS. The chemical principles of the reagent pads on the strips are:1.

pH - this test is based on a double indicator principle that gives abroad range of colors covering the urinary pH range from 5 to 9.Colors range from orange through yellow and green to blue.2. Protein - This test is based on the protein-error-of-indicatorsprinciple. At a constant buffered pH, the development of anygreen color is due to the presence of protein. Colors range fromyellow for "Negative" through yellow-green and green to greenbluefor "Positive" reactions.3. Glucose - This test is based on a double sequential enzymereaction.

The reaction utilizes the enzyme glucose oxidase tocatalyze the formation of gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxidefrom the oxidation of glucose. In turn, a second enzyme,peroxidase, catalyzes the reaction of hydrogen peroxide with apotassium iodide chromogen to oxidize the chromogen to colorsranging from green to brown.4. Ketone - This test is based on the development of colors rangingfrom buff-pink, for a negative reading, to purple when acetoaceticacid reacts with nitroprusside.5. Bilirubin - This test is