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What does leukocytes in urine mean?

Leukocyte esterase is a screening test used to detect a substance 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.

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Definition

Leukocyte esterase is a urine test to look for white blood cells and other signs of infection.

Alternative Names

WBC esterase

How the Test is Performed

A clean-catch urine sample is preferred. The clean-catch method is used to prevent germs from the penis or vagina from getting into a urine sample. To collect your urine, the health care provider may give you a special clean-catch kit that contains a cleansing solution and sterile wipes. Follow instructions exactly so that the results are accurate. After you provide a urine sample, it is tested right away. The provider uses a dipstick made with a color-sensitive pad. The color of the dipstick changes to tell the provider if you have white blood cells in your urine.

How to Prepare for the Test

No special steps are needed to prepare for this test.

How the Test will Feel

The test will involve only normal urination. There is no discomfort.

Why the Test is Performed

Leukocyte esterase is a screening test used to detect a substance 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.

Normal Results

A negative test result is normal.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An abnormal result indicates a possible urinary tract infection.

The following may cause an abnormal test result, even when you do not have a urinary tract infection:

Trichomonas infection (such as trichomoniasis)

Vaginal secretions (such as blood or heavy mucus discharge)

The following may interfere with a positive result, even when you do have a urinary tract infection:

High level of protein

High level of vitamin C

References

Gerber GS, Brendler CB. Evaluation of the urologic patient: history, physical examination, and urinalysis. In: Wein AJ, Kavoussi LR, Partin AW, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 1. Riley RS, McPherson RA. Basic examination of urine. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 23rd ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2017:chap 28. Sobel JD, Brown P. Urinary tract infections. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 72.

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How many pounds lighter are you in the morning?

Most significantly, your body is dehydrated because you haven't been consuming any liquids for several hours. So in the morning, you're carrying about 3-5 pounds less water weight than you are in the afternoon. So this really is the primary reason you weigh less in the morning.

Have you ever wondered why do you weigh less in the morning?

If you’ve ever found yourself stepping on a scale to weigh yourself, you probably noticed a couple of things:

First, there seem to be some significant fluctuations from day to day.

Second, you weigh less in the morning.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about weighing yourself, how to do it properly, and what the day-to-day fluctuations mean.

We’ll also cover the age-old question: Why do you weigh less in the morning?

Why Do You Weigh Less In The Morning?

We tend to weigh less in the morning for a couple of reasons: 1. The stomach is empty, and no food volume adds weight on the scale. 2. Most significantly, your body is dehydrated because you haven’t been consuming any liquids for several hours. So in the morning, you’re carrying about 3-5 pounds less water weight than you are in the afternoon. So this really is the primary reason you weigh less in the morning. Your body dehydrates through the night, so your water level is lowest when you first awake. Water weight is a huge factor that affects your weight. Much more than most people realize. Water weight is the main reason that after a heavy diet weekend, many people think they have gained 10 pounds. And they feel like they gained 10 pounds! But did they really? No, as it would be very hard to gain 10 pounds in a weekend. Click to see the data on what it would take to gain 10 pounds in a weekend. It’s mainly water weight that makes them fell bloated and extra heavy. (1)

So, how can we use this knowledge to our advantage?

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