ASB
Medical abbreviation · Nephrology & Urology
| Stands for | Asymptomatic bacteriuria |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
ASB stands for Asymptomatic bacteriuria, a nephrology & urology abbreviation.
Significant bacteria in a properly collected urine sample from someone without urinary symptoms. It is common in older adults, nursing home residents and people with catheters, and treating it generally causes more harm, such as antibiotic resistance and C. difficile infection, than benefit.
Example: Urine culture with more than 100,000 E. coli in afebrile resident without symptoms: ASB, no antibiotics.
Usage notes
IDSA's 2019 guideline recommends screening and treatment only in pregnancy and before urologic procedures that breach the mucosa. Untreated bacteriuria in pregnancy raises the risk of pyelonephritis and preterm birth. Antimicrobial stewardship programs target reflex urine cultures because ASB is a leading cause of unnecessary antibiotic use.
Related abbreviations
More nephrology & urology abbreviations
- ADPKD – Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
- AIN – Acute interstitial nephritis
- AKI – Acute kidney injury
- APD – Automated peritoneal dialysis
- ARF – Acute renal failure
- ATN – Acute tubular necrosis
- AVF – Arteriovenous fistula
- AVG – Arteriovenous graft
- BOO – Bladder outlet obstruction
- BPH – Benign prostatic hyperplasia
- CAPD – Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
- CIC – Clean intermittent catheterization
See all 71 nephrology & urology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.