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Leukocyte esterase (LE) is an esterase (a type of enzyme) produced by leukocytes (white blood cells). A leukocyte esterase test (LE test) is a urine test for the presence of white blood cells and other abnormalities associated with infection. White blood cells in the urine can indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI). Positive test results may ...
In the setting of UTI symptoms, positive dipstick results for nitrite and leukocyte esterase are strongly suggestive of a UTI, [138] [139] but negative results do not rule it out if there is a high degree of suspicion.
Neutrophil granulocytes are the leukocytes most commonly associated with urinary infections. A positive test for leukocyte esterase normally indicates the presence of bacteria and a positive nitrite test (although it is not always the case). Infections caused by Trichomonas, Chlamydia and yeasts produce leukocyturia without bacteriuria.
Reference ranges for urine tests are described below: Measurement Lower limit ... Nitrite: n/a: 0 / negative [2] Leukocytes: n/a: 0 / negative [2] See also. Reference ...
A positive nitrite test indicates that the cause of the UTI is a Gram-negative organism, most commonly Escherichia coli. The reason for nitrites' existence in the presence of a UTI is due to a bacterial conversion of endogenous nitrates to nitrites. This may be a sign of infection. However, other parameters, such as leukocyte esterase, urine ...
The leukocyte esterase test indirectly detects the presence of leukocytes (white blood cells) in urine which can be associated with a urinary tract infection. In the elderly, the leukocyte esterase test is often positive even in the absence of an infection. [citation needed] The urine dipstick test is readily available and provides fast, but ...
It has been arbitrarily assumed that a number of over 4-5 leukocytes in the field of vision of the microscope indicates leukocyturia. [4] At the moment, there are also quick test strips available, allowing after wetting a special diagnostic bar, the detection of granulocytes in the urine, as evidenced by the color change of the test strip. [5]
Urinalysis is the most useful test to start the work up in a patient of dysuria. Urinalysis positive for nitrite carries a high predictive value of a positive urine culture. Also, urine dipstick showing leukocytes as equal predictive value as the presence of nitrites. When both are present, the predictive value goes even higher.