Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Does Presence Of Leukocytes In A Urine Test Strip Suggest?
Question: Is it possible to have leukocytes show in a urine test strip without it being a UTI especially if there is no positive show of nitrates?
What is the possibility of pregnancy altering or making a difference in how one would diagnose/prognose
the symptoms or interpret the readings from a lab test strip? Thank you!!
What is the possibility of pregnancy altering or making a difference in how one would diagnose/prognose
the symptoms or interpret the readings from a lab test strip? Thank you!!
Brief Answer:
Leukocytes in the urine can occur in conditions other than UTI
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
I understand your concern.
Urinary tract infection is not the only cause for leukocytes in the urine.
It can occur in interstitial cystitis which is an inflammation of the bladder without a bacterial infection or similarly pregnancy also can increase the WBC count in the urine.
So if the urine is negative for nitrate, it would be better to do a urine culture to see if there is a urinary infection or not and if there is the sensitivity of the organism will help in deciding on an effective antibiotic.
Best wishes,
Leukocytes in the urine can occur in conditions other than UTI
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
I understand your concern.
Urinary tract infection is not the only cause for leukocytes in the urine.
It can occur in interstitial cystitis which is an inflammation of the bladder without a bacterial infection or similarly pregnancy also can increase the WBC count in the urine.
So if the urine is negative for nitrate, it would be better to do a urine culture to see if there is a urinary infection or not and if there is the sensitivity of the organism will help in deciding on an effective antibiotic.
Best wishes,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I thank you for your answering response, but remain curious as to my initial question regarding Macrodantin. What is the concern regarding last weeks of pregnancy in particular. and the cautions given. Many pharmacists poo-poo the cautions away.
Brief Answer:
Welcome
Detailed Answer:
Macrodantin is contraindicated in the last weeks of pregnancy because there's a chance of it producing hemolysis of red blood cells. The risk benefit ratio has to be considered and I agree with you that it should be avoided when safer alternatives are available.
Welcome
Detailed Answer:
Macrodantin is contraindicated in the last weeks of pregnancy because there's a chance of it producing hemolysis of red blood cells. The risk benefit ratio has to be considered and I agree with you that it should be avoided when safer alternatives are available.
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
