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Guidelines
Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary Tract Infection

Routine Practices

  • Routine urinalysis should be ordered along with urine culture
  • Bag urines are unacceptable specimens due to their frequent contamination with perineal flora
  • Nitrite Positive samples on a urine dipstick is suggestive of UTI and warrants empiric treatment after cultures are completed
  • Moderate Leukocyte Esterase from catheter specimens warrants empiric treatment after cultures are completed

Common Pathogens

E. coli
​

Most common bacteria isolated

Duration of Therapy

Neonates: 7-14 days (Initial treatment with IV)

  • Step down to oral therapy when clinically indicated

Febrile infant/children with UTI/pyelonephritis: 7 days

  • Step down to oral therapy when clinically indicated
  • Applies to inpatients and outpatients

Older children, cystitis, no fever: 2-4 days

More Information

Choosing Wisely Urinary Tract Infection Empiric Treatment Recommendation Pathway for Low Risk Patients Available Here