Abstract

MOTA, Carla Lopes da  and  BECA, Helena Paula. Routine urinalysis: why and when?. Rev Port Med Geral Fam [online]. 2013, vol.29, n.4, pp.244-248. ISSN 2182-5173.

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 necessary.

Keywords : Urinalysis; Screening.

        · abstract in Portuguese     · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )