GIRFT has published a second guide in its series on preoperative testing to deliver a standardised approach to screening, management and treatment for urinary infections prior to elective urology surgery. 

The guide forms part of a series of practical guides that aim to support hospital trusts to take a targeted and evidence-based approach to diagnostic testing, avoiding blanket testing policies. 

The guide has been produced by the GIRFT anaesthetic and perioperative medicine (APOM) clinical and nursing leads, with input and consensus from an expert  stakeholder group working to reduce the current variation in preoperative screening. A key aim is to help clinical teams better manage preoperative patient pathways and avoid postponements and on-the-day cancellations of surgery. 

The guide is aimed at clinicians and managers who work across the elective pathway for urology surgery including POA teams, booking and scheduling teams, theatre teams, ward staff, and teams working in outpatient urological services.  

The guidance covers four main areas: 

• Targeted testing for urological procedures. 

• Time of testing before urological procedures. 

• Type of urine testing such as dipsticks or microscopy culture and sensitivities (MC&S). 

• Action taken following a positive result. 
  

Evidence from key studies suggests that preoperative positive urine tests are a significant driver for cancellations of procedures, and the guidance advises on testing requirements for different procedures. 

It is hoped the guide will help providers to reduce delays and cancellations of patients and make best use of surgical capacity to tackle waiting lists.