Antenatal screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria

The optimal timing and frequency of testing for asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy has not been determined. Available data suggest that a single urine specimen collected at 12 to 16 weeks gestation identifies 80% of cases of asymptomatic bacteriuriaAustralian Living Evidence Collaboration, 2024. Although the evidence base to support screening is from older and less methodologically robust studies, it remains the standard of care in AustraliaAustralian Living Evidence Collaboration, 2024Henderson, 2019National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), October 2018Nicolle, 2019.

Screen for asymptomatic bacteriuria during pregnancy by obtaining a midstream urine sample for microscopy, culture and susceptibility testing at 12 to 16 weeks gestation (or at the first antenatal visit, if this occurs later). Confirm asymptomatic bacteriuria with a second urine culture.