Which test is most useful for ruling out urinary tract infections?

The leukocyte esterase test is a rapid and effective screening method for ruling out urinary tract infections (UTIs). This test detects the presence of leukocyte esterase, an enzyme produced by white blood cells, which are typically elevated in the presence of infection and inflammation, such as in UTIs. A positive result indicates a likely infection, while a negative result helps rule out a UTI, especially when correlated with patient symptoms and clinical findings.

In contrast, a spot urine test for glucose is primarily used to screen for diabetes and does not provide information regarding the presence of urinary tract infections. A 24-hour urine collection is useful for assessing overall kidney function and quantifying specific substances in urine, but it is not practical for the rapid diagnosis of UTIs. The creatinine clearance test, while valuable for evaluating kidney function, also does not assist in diagnosing or ruling out infections in the urinary tract. Thus, the leukocyte esterase test stands out as the most relevant and useful tool for this purpose.