Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for UCLA Health

CAUTI

Pyuria

Defined as >5-10 WBC/hpf or >27 WBC/microliter.

In the presence of a catheter, pyuria or positive cultures are not always a reliable indicator of infection. Lack of pyuria suggests no active infection.

Positive Urine Culture

≥100,000 colonies is the most specific for true CAUTI.

Some experts state that ≥1,000 colonies represents significant bacteriuria; however, if this count is used, there should be a strong clinical suspicion of CAUTI based on symptoms and absence of infection at another site.