A urine test is a common diagnostic tool that provides insights into an individual’s health. It involves examining components within a urine sample. The presence of certain cells, such as leukocytes, can indicate specific conditions.
Understanding Leukocytes in Urine
Leukocytes, or white blood cells, are part of the body’s immune system. They defend against infections and foreign substances. When infection or inflammation occurs, these cells migrate to the affected area. Their presence in urine suggests an immune response within the urinary tract or nearby structures.
Normally, only a small number of leukocytes are found in urine. A “moderate” level indicates a notable increase, suggesting an inflammatory response. This is often detected through a urine dipstick test, which checks for leukocyte esterase, an enzyme in white blood cells. A positive dipstick result correlates with the number of leukocytes present. While dipstick tests offer quick screening, microscopic examination provides a more precise count.
Common Reasons for Elevated Leukocytes
The most frequent reason for elevated leukocytes in urine is a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract. The body’s immune system sends white blood cells to the infection site, leading to their presence in urine.
Bladder infections (cystitis) are a common UTI where bacteria infect the bladder. This triggers an inflammatory response. Kidney infections (pyelonephritis) are a more severe UTI where the infection has spread to the kidneys. In such cases, the leukocyte count in urine is often higher.
Other common causes include urethritis, an inflammation of the urethra, and prostatitis in men, an inflammation of the prostate gland. Both conditions lead to increased white blood cells in the urine. The presence of both leukocytes and nitrites on a urine test strip often indicates a bacterial UTI, as nitrites are waste products from certain bacteria.
Other Potential Causes
While infections are primary drivers, other conditions can also lead to moderate leukocytes in urine. Kidney stones, hard deposits that form in the kidneys, can cause irritation and inflammation as they move through the urinary tract. This irritation can increase white blood cells in the urine, even without an active infection.
Interstitial cystitis, a chronic bladder condition with pressure and pain, can also result in elevated leukocytes due to bladder wall inflammation. Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can affect the urinary tract and cause inflammation. This can lead to leukocytes in the urine, sometimes without bacteria, a condition known as sterile pyuria.
Inflammation from conditions affecting nearby organs, such as appendicitis or diverticulitis, can sometimes cause leukocytes to appear in urine, though this is less common. Contamination during urine collection, particularly in women, can also introduce skin cells and other substances into the sample, leading to a false positive result. Additionally, certain medications, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and recent medical procedures can temporarily elevate leukocyte levels.
Next Steps and Medical Evaluation
If a urine test reveals moderate leukocytes, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment are not recommended. A doctor will review symptoms, medical history, and may conduct further diagnostic tests.
A urine culture is often performed to identify specific bacteria and determine effective antibiotics if an infection is suspected. Blood tests may also be ordered to assess for signs of widespread infection or inflammation. In some cases, imaging studies like ultrasounds or CT scans might be necessary to visualize the urinary tract and detect issues such as kidney stones or structural abnormalities.
Treatment approaches depend on the diagnosed cause. For bacterial infections, antibiotics are prescribed. If kidney stones are the cause, treatment might involve pain management, medications to help pass the stone, or procedures to remove it. For inflammatory or non-infectious causes, specific management strategies will be recommended. Prompt medical evaluation ensures accurate diagnosis and effective management.