Leukocytes in the urine

Leukocytes in urine are one of the important indicators of inflammation of infectious etiology in the body. Since leukocytes perform a protective function, deviations in their quantity, any changes, whether exceeding or decreasing the norm, all this indicates the invasion of harmful substances - bacteria. Leukocytes are usually present in the blood, but due to their specific structure, they can penetrate into other liquid media, such as urine. Leukocytes in urine should be in a limited quantity, in women the normal indicator is 0-6 in one microliter, in men the upper limit is lower - 0-3.

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How are leukocytes determined in urine?

Leukocytes in urine are usually examined for their increase. Exceeding the norm is called leukocyturia. The norm is considered to be the content in 1 µl of urine up to ten leukocytes in the field of view (during microscopic examination). "Field of view" means the process of processing the material (urine) using a centrifuge, when the sediment is examined under a microscope. This method is named after its creator - A.Z. Nechiporenko. Often urine is examined using the Amburger method in order to determine the rate of excretion of formed elements, including leukocytes.

Also, the material for morphological examination is stained using the Romanovsky-Giemsa method to specify the nature of the increase in the normal limits and to differentiate lymphocytes and neutrophils. The Addis-Kakovsky method (analysis of daily urine) is used less often due to its labor intensity and many disadvantages.

Modern microbiology is rapidly developing and today there are tests that can be used at home to monitor changes in such an indicator as leukocytes in urine. These are special strips that change color depending on the number of not only leukocytes, but also protein, ketone bodies, glucose and acid-base properties of urine. Of course, the home method cannot replace laboratory diagnostics, but it is used as an information source in cases of chronic pathologies (diabetes mellitus and others).

Usually, leukocytes in urine quite clearly indicate the localization of the inflammatory process - this is the urinary system, kidneys. Accordingly, the reason for the increase or decrease in leukocyte indicators lies in these systems and organs.

When do leukocytes appear in urine?

Leukocytes in urine - possible reasons for changes in normal values.

• Pyelonephritis is an inflammation (pyelitis) of the renal cavity - the pelvis of bacterial etiology. The infection penetrates the kidneys, as a rule, from the ureter, bladder, less often - as a result of infection with an untreated catheter. Reduced immunity contributes to active infection of the renal pelvis and parenchyma;
• Cystitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bladder; in men, cystitis is often preceded by urethritis, and in women, by a bacterial infection of the vagina;
• Stasis of urine as a result of blockage of the ureter lumen by a concrement (stone). This leads to inflammation above the point of blockage. In such cases, leukocytes in the urine are not the main indicator of urolithiasis; more detailed studies are required;
• Pregnancy. The first trimester is characterized by such a sign as leukocytes in the urine and this is considered normal (an increase in protective functions is natural). Candidiasis in pregnant women at any time can provoke an increase in the number of leukocytes, and in the third trimester, an increase in leukocytes indicates kidney disease;
• Chronic problems with urination (retention) resulting in inflammation of the bladder;
• Kidney pathology of tuberculous etiology (rare);
• Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the renal glomeruli).

How do leukocytes appear in urine?

• Various types of pain in the lumbar region – aching, sharp, pulling, cramping;
• Pain in the direct projection of the bladder (suprapubic area);
• Chills, fever;
• Frequent urge to urinate;
• Hematuria is blood in the urine, which may be a sign of prostate hypertrophy, trauma to the bladder, kidneys, oncological process and the presence of stones;
• Unpleasant, painful sensations (burning, itching) during urination;
• Cloudy urine, unusual odor.

Leukocytes in urine are not the only source of information about possible diseases, but only part of the diagnostic measures. If leukocyturia is detected, the further strategy - additional examination, therapeutic measures, should be developed by a doctor.