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Leukocyte esterase (LE) is an esterase (a type of enzyme) produced by leukocytes (white blood cells). A leukocyte esterase test (LE test) is a urine test for the presence of white blood cells and other abnormalities associated with infection. White blood cells in the urine can indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI). Positive test results may ...
The test for leukocyte esterase is indicative and does not replace microscopic examination of urine. [19] It is normal to find up to 3 (occasionally 5) leukocytes per high power field (40X) in a urine sample, with women having slightly higher results owing to vaginal contamination. [citation needed] Higher numbers indicate urinary infection.
The leukocyte esterase test indirectly detects the presence of leukocytes (white blood cells) in urine which can be associated with a urinary tract infection. In the elderly, the leukocyte esterase test is often positive even in the absence of an infection.
The scientific term leukocyte directly reflects its description. It is derived from the Greek roots leuk-meaning "white" and cyt-meaning "cell". The buffy coat may sometimes be green if there are large amounts of neutrophils in the sample, due to the heme-containing enzyme myeloperoxidase that they produce. [citation needed]
In complicated or questionable cases, it may be useful to confirm the diagnosis via urinalysis, looking for the presence of urinary nitrites, white blood cells (leukocytes), or leukocyte esterase. [54] Another test, urine microscopy, looks for the presence of red blood cells, white blood cells, or bacteria.
Leukocyte esterase, an enzyme found in granulocytes, is measured to estimate the concentration of white blood cells. [53] The action of the enzyme on chemicals in the test pad ends in the creation of a purple azo dye . [ 54 ]
List of human leukocyte antigen alleles associated with cutaneous conditions; List of immunofluorescence findings for autoimmune bullous conditions; List of inclusion bodies that aid in diagnosis of cutaneous conditions; List of keratins expressed in the human integumentary system; List of radiographic findings associated with cutaneous conditions
A random urine, meaning a specimen that is collected at any time, can be used for many tests. However, a sample collected during the first urination of the morning (first morning specimen) is preferred for tests like urinalysis and pregnancy screening because it is typically more concentrated, making the test more sensitive .