Evaluation of a new automated cell analyzer (Sysmex UF-1000i) for bacteriological screening of urine

Introduction. Sysmex UF-1000 is a new flow cytometry for the analysis of urine based on a laser diode technology using specific compounds for the staining nucleic acids, characterized by a threshold of detection of bacteria equal to 1000 CFU/ml.The purpose of this study was to compare the positivity or negativity of the urine samples using standard procedures and with the response obtained from the instrument UF-1000i. Methods. During the period May and July 2011, 1024 urine samples obtained from the laboratory of the hospital in Genoa-Voltri were analyzed with the instrument Sysmex UF-1000i.The samples were stored at a temperature of 5°C during transport.The instrument after loading of the sample is able to assess the bacterial load in about 1 minute per sample. Results. 1024 samples were analyzed with Sysmex UF-1000 analyzed in parallel by the hospital laboratory in Genoa Voltri. 228 are positive results for Sysmex UF-1000 (bacterial loads in excess of 1000 CFU/ml).The data obtained were consistent with those recorded with traditional analysis. 18 samples were positive only for our instrument, but not with the traditional system used in the laboratory for comparison. Conclusion. The advantage of Sysmex UF-1000 is certainly due to obtain immediate results after the reading of each individual sample that is higher than any other instrument or method of analysis used. The slight discrepancy of the results obtained may be due to the extremely low calibration of UF-1000. This allows in a very short time to discard all negative samples with enormous saving of time and material. For positive samples and applies the criterion of the routine ie, the bacterial load has a meaning according to the type of patient considered, as in the case of pediatric or catheterized patients