Two quick urine tests could warn surgeons of hidden infection danger

This study looked at whether tracking changes in two simple urine test results—white blood cells and nitrites—in the days before a common kidney stone surgery could help predict which patients are at higher risk for developing a fever or serious bloodstream infection afterward. Researchers followed 346 adults with large or complex kidney stones who had a positive urine culture before their planned surgery. The goal was to see if these easy, repeatable tests provide a faster warning sign than waiting for standard culture results, helping doctors better manage infection risk.