Urine tests have become a part of an unnecessary routine at hospitals

Research has found removing them and educating staff, means fewer antibiotics are given out and money is saved.

Otago University's Doctor Lynn McBain says dipstick tests are routine during admission - with antibiotics often prescribed because of bacteria being present - even if a patient has no other symptoms.

She says the tests were popular when first introduced, but using them as a first port of call is unnecessary, and people have got overenthusiastic because of their simplicity.