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What Causes Elevated WBC Level In A Renal Failure Patient?
Hello Doctor I am in renal failure on dialysis three times a week. I have developed Leucocyte esterase in my urine. I am due for a kidney transplant towards the end of the month. My neuphrologist does not know why my white cell are so high. Urine tests have been done and there is no aerobic culture growth after 2 days. Please assist.
Wed, 9 Mar 2016
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Presence of leukocyte esterase in urine is suggestive of presence of white blood cells or pus cells in urine.
Presence of pus cells is suggestive of infection in urine.
Absence of any aerobic culture after 2 days suggests absence of any infection, however, the culture may be incubated for 5-7 days before labeling it as negative.
There are certain strains which take longer to grow.
On the contrary there are some causes of false positive leukocyte esterase test.
Presence of a strong oxidizing agent in urine can lead to false positive leukocyte esterase test.
Thus, I suggest you to get the urine examination repeated to look for evidence of pus cells and repeat leukocyte esterase test.
Absence of pus cells with positive leukocyte esterase is unlikely.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Presence of leukocyte esterase in urine is suggestive of presence of white blood cells or pus cells in urine.
Presence of pus cells is suggestive of infection in urine.
Absence of any aerobic culture after 2 days suggests absence of any infection, however, the culture may be incubated for 5-7 days before labeling it as negative.
There are certain strains which take longer to grow.
On the contrary there are some causes of false positive leukocyte esterase test.
Presence of a strong oxidizing agent in urine can lead to false positive leukocyte esterase test.
Thus, I suggest you to get the urine examination repeated to look for evidence of pus cells and repeat leukocyte esterase test.
Absence of pus cells with positive leukocyte esterase is unlikely.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
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