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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 be clinically significant in the right context.
In the setting of UTI symptoms, positive dipstick results for nitrite and leukocyte esterase are strongly suggestive of a UTI, [138] [139] but negative results do not rule it out if there is a high degree of suspicion.
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.
In the elderly, the leukocyte esterase test is often positive even in the absence of an infection. [citation needed] The urine dipstick test is readily available and provides fast, but often unreliable results. Some organisms such as chlamydia and Ureaplasma urealyticum will produce a negative leukocyte esterase reaction.
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.
Reference ranges for urine tests are described below: Measurement Lower limit Upper limit Unit ... Leukocytes: n/a: 0 / negative [2] See also. Reference range;
A urine test is any medical test performed on a urine specimen. The analysis of urine is a valuable diagnostic tool because its composition reflects the functioning of many body systems, particularly the kidneys and urinary system , and specimens are easy to obtain. [ 1 ]
It has been arbitrarily assumed that a number of over 4-5 leukocytes in the field of vision of the microscope indicates leukocyturia. [4] At the moment, there are also quick test strips available, allowing after wetting a special diagnostic bar, the detection of granulocytes in the urine, as evidenced by the color change of the test strip. [5]