Although some experts have questioned the accuracy of urinalysis for diagnosing urinary tract infection (UTI) in young febrile infants, a recent data analysis concluded that it is, in fact, a sensitive and specific way to detect the infection. The analysis included >4,000 infants, ≤60 days old, who were seen in 26 emergency departments. Researchers found:

• 289 patients (7%) had UTIs with colony counts of ≥50,000 CFUs/mL, which included 27 (9.3%) who also had bacteremia.
• A positive urinalysis had a 94% sensitivity rate, which climbed to 100% when bacteremia was factored in.
• Specificity was 91% in all groups.
• Specificity and sensitivity ratings were better in febrile infants when colony counts were ≥50,000.