When antimicrobial stewardship begins with microbiological test requests: the case of asymptomatic bacteriuria

Abstract

Purpose of review We aim to review the rationale, methods, and experiences with diagnostic stewardship targeted at urinary tract infection (UTI) and related urinary syndromes. Recent findings In the last 18 months, several articles have demonstrated the impact of diagnostic stewardship interventions at limiting inappropriate diagnosis of UTIs or inappropriate antibiotic-prescribing, targeting the urinary tract. Antimicrobial stewardship programs may create and implement interventions at the point of urine test ordering, urine test resulting, or at the point of prescribing antibiotics after results have returned. Specific design and implementation of stewardship interventions depends on context. To maximize their impact, interventions should be accompanied by education and garner buy-in from providers. Summary Diagnostic stewardship can decrease unnecessary antibiotics and inappropriate diagnosis of UTI with multifaceted interventions most likely to be effective. Remaining questions include how to reduce ASB treatment in new populations, such as those with immune compromise, and persistent unknowns regarding UTI diagnosis and diagnostics.