Question

2)            While sitting under an apple tree and feeling inspired, you decided to channel your problem-solving skills to solve a clinical diagnostic laboratory problem, how can I design a rapid UTI detection test? Use any technique.

a.            But first, what are the methods in extracting urine samples for testing?

b.            What are the existing methods in determining UTI causing microorganism in a collected urine sample?

c.             Come up with a technique/method that can answer the following

i.             Accurately detect the UTI causing organism and ignore the commensal organism

ii.            Determine bacteriuria CFU/ml counts

d.            Justify how your proposed method can be used as a point of care testing method for UTI

Answer 1

a.Methods of urine extraction- Randomly collected specimens

- First morning specimens.

- Midstream clean catch specimens.

- Timed collection specimens.

- Collection from catheters.

- Supra-pubic aspirations.

- Pediatric specimens.

b. Methods used to determine UTI-

- Microscopy.

- Culture.

- Identification.

- Antibiotic sensitivity test.

Other methods include dipslides, pour plate method, triphenylt etrazolium chloride test, griess nitrite test, glucose test paper, polymorpho nuclear neutrophils, catalase test, leucocyte esterase, detection of lipopolysaccharide.

c.Culture method.

This is a test used to identify the germs that cause UTI. This test is important because it helps to identify the type of bacteria, amount and the appropriate treatment taken if infection does not respond to treatment or getting infections over and over again.

d. Culture method is used as a point of care testing method for UTI,

- It helps to isolate bacteria

- It helps to demonstrate their properties

- it helps to obtain sufficient growth for the preparation of antigens and other test

- it helps to identify type isolates

- it helps to determine sensitivity to antibiotics.

- it helps to estimate viable counts and also helps to maintain the stock cultures.