Pyelonephritis laboratory findings
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
PMID: 21292654
Overview
The following are a few important aspects of the laboratory testing for pyelonephritis.[1]
- Pyelonephritis can be diagnosed with the help or urinalysis and urine culture.
- Cultures should always be obtained before administration of antibiotics if pyelonephritis is suspected.
- A combination of leukocyte esterase test and nitrite test (with either of the two test being positive) is considered to be very effective with a sensitivity ranging from 75-84 and a specificity ranging from 82-98 percent.
Laboratory Findings
- Urinalysis: Urinalysis is testing of a urine sample. The urine sample is collected in a special container in a health care provider’s office or commercial facility and can be tested in the same location or sent to a lab for analysis. The presence of white blood cells, nitrites and bacteria in the urine indicate infection and also indicate the need to start empirical treatment.
- Urine culture: A urine culture is performed by placing part of a urine sample in a tube or dish with a substance that encourages any bacteria present to grow. The urine sample is collected in a special container in a health care provider’s office or commercial facility and sent to a lab for culture. Once the bacteria have multiplied, which usually takes 1 to 3 days, they can be identified. The health care provider can then determine the best treatment.
References
- ↑ Ramakrishnan K, Scheid DC (2005). "Diagnosis and management of acute pyelonephritis in adults". Am Fam Physician. 71 (5): 933–42. PMID 15768623.