Bioingeniøren (Aug 2019)
Are urine tests performed in hospitals according to national guidelines?
Abstract
Background. In previous surveys, Noklus has identified challenges for primary health care professionals in following national guidelines for the use of urine dip stick testing and criteria for urine culture testing. We wanted to investigate to what extent this also applies in hospital. Materials and methods. An electronic survey on urine examinations was made. Heads of somatic departments at Haugesund Hospital were informed and then sent an e-mail with information about and a link to the survey. The leaders then forwarded the link to employees in their own department. Results. In 80 per cent of the cases physicians always or often decide whether to perform urine dip stick, and correspondingly 86 per cent decide to do a urine culture test. On the other hand, 63 per cent respond that nurses also always or often make decisions on performing urine dip stick, and correspondingly 50 per cent respond that nurses determine the need for urine culture. 68 per cent of the respondents stated that patients being admitted into hospital was an indication for urine dip stick test. 75 per cent respond that ‘foul odor’ and ‘hazy urine’ always or often are used as indications for bacteriological examination. Written information to patients about urine sampling is not routine. 48 per cent said they were unaware if such written instructions existed in their departments. Conclusion. The results indicate that there is insufficient implementation of guidelines for use of urine dip stick and urine cultures in the hospital where this survey was conducted.
