Women over age 65 are being over-diagnosed with and over- treated for urinary tract infections, according to a new study.
Rhode Island Hospital researchers examined medical records of women over 65 who were diagnosed with a UTI during an ER visit. They found 57% had a urine culture that confirmed the diagnosis, yet 95% had antibiotics.
The researchers also noted inserting a temporary catheter into the bladder is a more accurate way to make a diagnosis compared to the “clean catch” method.
Results were in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
From the June 01, 2013 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
