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What Does The Presence Of Leukocyte Esterase In Urine Test Indicate?

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Posted on Tue, 24 Mar 2015
Question: what does leukocyte esterase in urine test mean an
what should dr. do
doctor
Answered by Dr. S. Samanta (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Positive result may indicate UTI; urine culture/microscopy needed!

Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,

Thanks for your query!

Leukocyte esterase is an enzyme present in most white blood cells (WBCs).

THEREFORE, Leukocyte esterase in urine test is a screening test used to detect a substance (enzyme) that suggests there are white blood cells in the urine. This may mean you have a urinary tract infection.

If this test is positive, the urine should be examined under a microscope for white blood cells and other signs that point to an infection.

Positive test results are clinically significant. The LE test is also used to screen for gonorrhea.

MORE INFORMATION:The combination of the LE test with the urinary nitrite test provides an excellent screen for establishing the presence of a urinary tract infection (UTI).

A urine sample that tests positive for both nitrite and leukocyte esterase should be cultured for pathogenic bacteria.

REGARDS!
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. S. Samanta

Pathologist and Microbiologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 1107 Questions

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What Does The Presence Of Leukocyte Esterase In Urine Test Indicate?

Brief Answer: Positive result may indicate UTI; urine culture/microscopy needed! Detailed Answer: Dear Madam, Thanks for your query! Leukocyte esterase is an enzyme present in most white blood cells (WBCs). THEREFORE, Leukocyte esterase in urine test is a screening test used to detect a substance (enzyme) that suggests there are white blood cells in the urine. This may mean you have a urinary tract infection. If this test is positive, the urine should be examined under a microscope for white blood cells and other signs that point to an infection. Positive test results are clinically significant. The LE test is also used to screen for gonorrhea. MORE INFORMATION:The combination of the LE test with the urinary nitrite test provides an excellent screen for establishing the presence of a urinary tract infection (UTI). A urine sample that tests positive for both nitrite and leukocyte esterase should be cultured for pathogenic bacteria. REGARDS!