Routine urinalysis: why and when?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v29i4.11109Keywords:
Urinalysis, ScreeningAbstract
Objectives: To determine the benefit of urinalysis in screening asymptomatic adults from the best evidence available. Data Sources: Cochrane Library, Trip Database, Dare, National Guideline Clearinghouse, Finland Evidence Based Medicine Guidelines, PubMed, UpToDate, Index of Medical Portuguese Journals and related citations. Review Methods: Search for articles and related citations using the MeSH terms urinalysis and mass screening, published until March of 2012, in English and Portuguese. The Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) scale of the American Academy of Family Physicians was used for assigning levels of evidence and the strength of recommendation. Results: The search produced a total of 459 articles. Six met the inclusion criteria. These included one systematic review, two original studies, two clinical practice guidelines, and one review article. Although urinalysis is frequently ordered, a change in management occurs in less than 5% of the cases after the test. It may lead to the ordering of other more expensive and invasive diagnostic tests. Conclusions: Urinalysis as screening test in asymptomatic adults is not beneficial for patients. It is not recommended as a screening test (SOR A). The evidence against systematic use has been clear for several decades. In Portugal it is commonly requested as a «routine» or preoperative test. In the light of published evidence, new guidelines seem necessaryDownloads
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
The authors will assign to the RPMGF the sole right to publish and distribute the content of the manuscript specified in this declaration via physical, electronic, broadcasting or any other medium that may come into existence. They also grant the RPMGF the right to use and exploit this manuscript, in particular by assigning, selling or licensing its content. This permission is permanent and takes effect from the moment the manuscript is submitted, has the maximum duration allowed by applicable Portuguese or international law and is of worldwide scope. The authors further declare that this assignment is made free of charge. If the RPMGF informs the authors that it is not going to publish their manuscript, the exclusive assignment of rights ceases forthwith.
The authors authorise the RPMGF (or any entity it may appoint) to act on their behalf when it believes that copyright may have been infringed.
