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Normal values ​​of white blood cells in urine

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

Leukocytes, also known as myocytes or white blood cells, are the cells in charge of attacking any virus, bacteria, or foreign body that enters the body. Its elevated presence indicates that something is not right and should be taken as a red flag, to which attention should be paid.

In some cases, leukocytes can appear in the urine. A simple examination can determine if this presence is high or if it is within the parameters considered normal. In the following FastlyHealarticle, we explain what the average values ​​of leukocytes in urine are.

What are leukocytes?

Leukocytes are blood cells produced in the bone marrow and are located in the blood and lymphatic tissues. They are part of the immune system and help the body fight infections and other pathologies.

Several types of leukocytes are known:

  • Granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils).
  • Monocytes
  • Lymphocytes (T cells and B cells).

Typically, a blood test is done to know the number of leukocytes. This check of the number of leukocytes or white blood cells in the blood is usually part of a whole blood cell test. This is often used to diagnose infection, inflammation, allergies, or leukemia conditions.

How are leukocytes detected in urine?

A urinalysis is used to detect abnormalities to determine the presence of white blood cells in the urine. This analysis may be sufficient to detect any problems. Urine samples that are provided in laboratories can be analyzed in three ways:

  • Visual examination: Bioanalysts examine the appearance of urine. Cloudiness or an unusual odor may indicate an infection or other potential problem. The food a person eats can also affect their color.
  • Dipstick test: This test will detect any unusual substances in your urine. A thin plastic stick with chemical strips is placed in the urine to detect abnormalities. The chemicals on the strip will change color to indicate if certain substances are present.
  • Microscopic examination: drops of urine are examined under a microscope. Through this test, it can be seen if there are leukocytes present. If such is the case, it may signify an infection. Since leukocytes are cells, they can be counted by sedimentscopy, which analyzes the urinary sediment, which is also studied under the microscope. This test aims to detect and identify red
  •  blood cells, leukocytes, epithelial cells , bacteria, yeast, parasites, mucus, sperm, and crystals.

Average values ​​of white blood cells in urine

Leukocytes can be found in the urine frequently, as this is the route by which the body eliminates them after they have already fulfilled their function in the body. The average values ​​of leukocytes in urine are below 10,000 cells per mL or five cells per field. However, this figure may vary in each person, especially if they suffer from a condition that compromises the immune system, such as HIV or if They have been subjected to a prolonged stressful situation.

Levels of white blood cells in your urine above this value suggest you have an infection. In this case, the body is trying to fight it somewhere in the urinary tract. Usually in the bladder or urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. White blood cells in the urine could also suggest a kidney infection.

Kidney stones, a pelvic tumor, or another type of blockage in the urinary tract can also cause high white blood cells in the urine.

These high values ​​of leukocytes in urine can, in some cases, produce different symptoms in people and may vary depending on the cause that made this high concentration. The symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include:

  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Burning sensation when urinating.
  • Cloudy or pink-tinged urine.
  • Pelvic pain, especially in women.

Blockages in the urinary tract can cause various symptoms depending on the location and type of backup. The main symptom is pain on one or both sides of the abdomen in most cases. The kidney stones can cause symptoms similar to a urinary tract infection but may include nausea, vomiting, and severe pain.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Normal values ​​of leukocytes in urine, we recommend that you enter our category of Medication and medical tests .

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