Leukocytes in the urine

Leukocytes in the urine - this is one of the important indicators of inflammation of the infectious etiology in the body. Because leukocytes perform a protective function, deviations in their number, any changes, whether exceeding or lowering the norm, all this indicates the intrusion of harmful substances - bacteria. Leukocytes are usually present in the blood, but due to their specific structure, they can penetrate into other liquid media, for example, into urine. Leucocytes of urine should be in a limited number, in women, the norm is 0-6 in one microliter, for men the upper limit is below 0-3.

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How do white blood cells in the urine?

Leukocytes in urine, as a rule, are investigated for their increase. Excess of the norm is called leucocyturia. The norm is the content of 1 μl of urine to a dozen leukocytes in the field of vision (with microscopic examination). "Field of view" means the process of processing the material (urine) with a centrifuge, when the sediment is examined under a microscope. This method is named after its creator - A.Z. Nechiporenko. Often urine is examined by the method of Ambourg in order to determine the rate of excretion of the formed elements, including leukocytes.

Also, the material for the morphological study is colored according to the Romanovsky-Giemsa method to specify the nature of the increase in the norm limits and for the differentiation of lymphocytes and neutrophils. Addis-Kakovsky method (analysis of daily urine) is used less often due to its laboriousness and a number of shortcomings.

Modern microbiology is rapidly evolving and today there are tests that can be used at home to monitor changes in the indicator such 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-alkaline properties of urine. Of course, the home method can not replace laboratory diagnostics, but it is used as an information source in cases of chronic pathologies (diabetes mellitus and others).

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

When do leukocytes appear in the urine?

Leukocytes in urine are possible causes of changes in normal indices. 

• Pyelonephritis - inflammation (pyelitis) of the renal cavity - pelvis of bacterial etiology. Infection penetrates into the kidneys, usually from the ureter, the bladder, less often - as a result of infection with an untreated catheter. Reduced immunity promotes active infection of the renal pelvis and parenchyma; 
• Cystitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bladder, often in men cyst precedes urethritis, in women - bacterial infection of the vagina; 
• Stasis of urine as a result of obstruction of the lumen of the ureter by concrement (stone). This leads to inflammation above the clogging point. In such cases, white blood cells in urine are not the main indicator of urolithiasis, more detailed studies are required; 
• Pregnancy. The I-st trimester is characterized by such a sign as leukocytes in the urine and this is considered the norm (increasing protective functions naturally). Candidiasis in pregnant women at any time may provoke an increase in the number of white blood cells, and in the third trimester, an increase in white blood cells indicates a kidney disease; 
• Chronic problems with urination (delay), resulting in inflammation of the bladder; 
• Pathology of the kidneys of tuberculous etiology (not often found); 
• Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney glomeruli).

How does white blood cells appear in the urine? 

• Various types of pain in the lumbar region - aching, sharp, pulling, cramping; 
• Pain in a direct projection of the bladder (suprapubic zone); 
• Chills, febrile condition; 
• Frequent urge to urinate; 
• Hematuria is blood in the urine, which can be a sign of hypertrophy of the prostate, bladder injury, kidneys, onocology and the presence of concrements; 
• Unpleasant, painful sensations (burning, itching) during urination; 
• The cloudy consistency of urine, an atypical odor.

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