Urinalysis requests on the elderly residing in the Auckland community: Tick box requesting?

Abstract

AIMS: Urinalysis for microcopy and culture is one of the most frequently requested tests for microbiology laboratories, particularly from elderly patients. This study sought to describe the clinical appropriateness of urinalysis from community-dwelling elderly patients and subsequent antibiotic prescription. METHODS: Demographic, laboratory, and antibiotic prescription data were collected on all samples submitted from patients ≥70 years during August 2014 to Labtests Auckland. In addition, clinical data were collected by questionnaire from a subgroup of 200 patients. RESULTS: During August 2014, approximately 7% of the Auckland population aged ≥70 years had urinalysis submitted. Urine dipsti..