Low-Value Preprocedure Urinalysis Is Common in the U.S.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends against screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria in nonpregnant adults (NEJM JW Womens Health Nov 2019 and JAMA 2019; 322:1188). Although that guideline doesn't specifically address routine preoperative urinalysis (UA), no evidence supports this common practice. In this study, researchers analyzed U.S. claims data and identified patients who underwent UA within 30 days of surgical procedures. Plausibly indicated and higher-value UAs were those obtained for the following diagnoses: cystitis, urethritis, dysuria, urinary frequency or urgency, fever, and altered mental status. All other UAs were categorized as nonindicated and of lower value. Patients with urological procedures and Caesarian sec…