Leukocytes, also known as white blood cells, are a vital component of the body’s immune system. They defend against foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. A urinalysis is a common diagnostic test that examines a urine sample to detect various substances, including these immune cells. Their presence suggests the immune system is active within the urinary system.
Understanding Leukocytes in Urine
Leukocytes are produced in the bone marrow and circulate throughout the body, ready to respond to threats. While the urinary tract is sterile, a small number of leukocytes may be present in urine even in healthy individuals. A normal urine test shows fewer than 5 white blood cells per high-power field (HPF) when examined under a microscope. This minimal presence is considered insignificant.
The appearance of leukocytes in urine indicates that the immune system is activated within the urinary tract. This activation suggests irritation, inflammation, or an infection somewhere along the urinary pathway, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Interpreting an Elevated Leukocyte Count
A finding of 70 leukocytes per high-power field (HPF) in a urine sample is considered elevated and abnormal. This count is substantially higher than the normal range, which is 0-5 white blood cells per HPF. Such an elevated number of leukocytes is medically termed pyuria, meaning increased white blood cells or pus in the urine.
This high leukocyte count suggests an active immune response or inflammation within the urinary tract or kidneys. This finding usually warrants further medical investigation to determine the exact cause of this immune system activity.
Common Causes of High Leukocytes in Urine
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most frequent cause of elevated leukocytes in urine, as the body fights bacterial invaders in the bladder or urethra. If untreated, these infections can ascend to the kidneys, leading to more severe kidney infections (pyelonephritis), which also increase leukocyte levels.
Kidney stones can also lead to an increase in leukocytes. These hard deposits can obstruct urine flow, causing irritation, inflammation, and creating an environment where bacteria can multiply. Inflammation in the urinary tract, such as cystitis (bladder inflammation) or urethritis (urethra inflammation), even without a bacterial infection, can also cause leukocytes in the urine.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause inflammation in the urethra and genital tract, leading to leukocytes in the urine as the body fights these pathogens. Improper urine sample collection, where external skin cells or vaginal discharge contaminate the specimen, can falsely elevate leukocytes. Less common causes include certain kidney conditions, such as glomerulonephritis, or tumors within the urinary tract, which can cause inflammation.
What to Do Next
Receiving a lab result showing 70 leukocytes in your urine requires consulting a healthcare professional. This elevated count is a symptom indicating an underlying issue, not a diagnosis in itself. A doctor can evaluate your medical history and current symptoms to determine the appropriate next steps.
Further diagnostic tests are necessary to pinpoint the cause. This may include a urine culture to identify specific bacteria or other microorganisms, and sometimes imaging studies of the urinary tract. Self-diagnosis or attempting to treat the condition without professional medical guidance is not recommended, as the underlying cause could vary significantly. Following your doctor’s advice ensures an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.