When a urine test indicates positive leukocytes, it suggests the presence of specific cells in the urine. These cells are part of the body’s defense system. Understanding the implications involves recognizing their normal function and what their elevated presence might signify.
Understanding Leukocytes
Leukocytes are white blood cells, a fundamental component of the immune system. They defend the body against foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Produced in the bone marrow, these cells circulate throughout the bloodstream and tissues. While typically found within the blood and lymphatic system, their presence in urine can indicate activity within the urinary tract.
Leukocytes as a Sign of Infection
The primary reason leukocytes appear in urine is to combat infection or inflammation. When bacteria or other pathogens enter the urinary tract, the body dispatches white blood cells to the affected area. A “positive” test result indicates a higher-than-normal concentration of these cells, suggesting an immune response is underway. While a strong indicator of a potential urinary tract infection (UTI), it is one piece of a larger diagnostic picture.
Other Reasons for Leukocytes in Urine
Positive leukocytes in urine do not exclusively mean a urinary tract infection is present. Other conditions can also cause these cells to appear. Kidney stones, for instance, can cause irritation and blockages in the urinary tract, leading to an increase in leukocytes. Inflammatory conditions not caused by bacteria, such as interstitial cystitis, can also result in their presence.
Certain medications, including some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, and specific antibiotics, may also lead to elevated leukocyte levels in urine. In women, vaginal infections or even contamination during sample collection can introduce white blood cells into the urine sample. Additionally, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), kidney diseases, or certain cancers of the bladder, prostate, or kidney can cause leukocytes to appear in the urine.
What to Do After a Positive Test
Receiving a positive leukocyte test result means consulting a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation is the next step. They can interpret the results in the context of any symptoms experienced and your medical history. Further diagnostic tests are usually necessary to confirm a specific diagnosis. A common follow-up test is a urine culture, which helps to identify the exact type of bacteria or fungus causing an infection and determine which antibiotics would be most effective for treatment. This approach ensures an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, rather than relying on self-diagnosis or self-treatment.