utikrinim

utikrinim, sometimes written as uti-kriinimine in Estonian, is a term used in public health and clinical practice to refer to the systematic screening for urinary tract infections (UTIs). The word combines the abbreviation "UTI" with the Estonian word for screening, kriinimine. In contemporary usage, the term appears in discussions of screening programs for specific populations rather than as a general diagnostic protocol.

In practice, utikrinim can denote two related activities: screening of asymptomatic individuals to detect UTIs early, and opportunistic testing in symptomatic patients to confirm diagnosis. Screening methods may include urine dipstick tests, urinalysis, and urine culture, with decisions guided by risk factors and local guidelines. Programs may target pregnant people to detect asymptomatic bacteriuria, elderly residents in long-term care, or others at high risk for complications.

Supporters argue that targeted screening can prevent complications such as pyelonephritis, preterm birth, and sepsis, while critics warn of overdiagnosis, antibiotic overuse, and modest benefits in some groups. The balance of risks and benefits depends on population characteristics, prevalence, and the accuracy of tests used. Many health systems emphasize targeted screening based on established risk criteria rather than universal population-wide screening.

See also: urinary tract infection, asymptomatic bacteriuria, screening, public health guidelines, antimicrobial stewardship.