Screening for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

Release Date: February 2004

Summary of Recommendations / Supporting Documents

Summary of Recommendations

• The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force strongly recommends that all pregnant women be screened for asymptomatic bacteriuria using urine culture at 12-16 weeks' gestation.

  Rating: A recommendation.

  Rationale: The USPSTF found good evidence that screening pregnant women for asymptomatic bacteriuria with urine culture significantly reduces symptomatic urinary tract infections, low birth weight, and preterm delivery. The benefits of screening and treatment substantially outweigh any potential harms.

• The USPSTF recommends against the routine screening of men and nonpregnant women for asymptomatic bacteriuria.

  Rating: D recommendation.

  Rationale:The USPSTF found fair evidence that screening men and non-pregnant women for asymptomatic bacteriuria is ineffective in improving clinical outcomes. In the absence of evidence of benefit, the potential harms associated with overuse of antibiotics are especially significant.

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Supporting Documents

Screening for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria, February 2004
Recommendation Statement (PDF File, 160 KB; PDF Help)
Brief Evidence Update (PDF File, 165 KB; PDF Help)

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Current as of February 2004

Internet Citation:

Screening for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria, Topic Page. February 2004. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsbact.htm