Bacteriuria screening by automated whole-field-image-based microscopy reduces the number of necessary urine cultures

We evaluated a new automated urine sediment analyzer that provides whole-field images for the screening of urine samples prior to bacterial culture. Sterile urine samples from 1,011 male and female outpatients and inpatients (mean age 54.7) with a urinary tract infection prevalence of 18.3% were studied. Screening rapidly provides negative results.