Assessment of Reflex Urine Culture Criteria Changes and its Impact on Treatment of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria

BACKGROUND: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is a common clinical condition identified by the presence of bacteria in the urine of a patient without signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Treatment of ASB leads to unnecessary antimicrobial use and can cause more harm than benefit in many patients. This study is to determine the impact of more stringent criteria for urinalysis with culture if indicated (UAC), implemented in September 2016, on the treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria. METHODS: A pre-post descriptive study of patients was conducted with an order placed for UAC in the Emergency Department (ED) or hospital. Data was collected retrospectively via chart reviews. The data on ASB patients from November 2015 to April 2016 was compared with the post-implementation period October 2016 to January 2017. The number of UAC orders and cultures were averaged for 6 months pre and post implementation of the criteria change. RESULTS: A total of 580 patient charts were assessed post-implementation of the UAC criteria change. A majority of the orders originated from the ED, (N = 430, 72.8%). ASB was treated inappropriately at a rate of 60.4% (N = 64/106) pre-implementation and a rate of 65% (N = 41/63) post implementation, P = 0.542. The total number of UAC ordered before and after implementation did not change, (N = 2852 pre-intervention vs N = 2825 post-intervention, P = 0.744), as seen in Figure 1. However, the number of reflexed urine cultures did significantly decrease post criteria change, (N = 1056 pre-intervention vs. N = 603 post-intervention, P < 0.0001). In addition, the number of positive urine cultures also significantly decreased, (N = 378 pre-intervention vs. N = 289 post-intervention, P = 0.0447). The impact the criteria change had on patient care is the number of potential antibiotic courses saved by reflexing fewer urine cultures off the UAC. Based on the decrease in positive urine cultures, it is estimated 702 courses of inappropriate antibiotics for ASB could be saved per year (59/month). CONCLUSION: More stringent criteria for reflex urine cultures significantly decreases the number of urine cultures performed, therefore decreasing the number of patients treated with ASB. Additional stewardship measures are necessary to reduce the treatment of ASB for patients who have cultures performed. DISCLOSURES: All authors: No reported disclosures.