What does this mean and the norm?
In a general urine test, leukocytes are counted in the field of view of a microscope. The norm is usually considered to be up to 5 leukocytes in the field of view in women, and up to 3 in men. In the Nechiporenko analysis, the norm is up to 2000 leukocytes in 1 ml of urine. In automatic analyzers, the result is given in cells per microliter, and the reference values are indicated on the laboratory form. A slight excess in the absence of complaints most often requires a simple retake.
- Small leukocyturia - slightly above normal
- Pronounced - dozens of cells and “entirely in the field of view”
- With bacteria - more often an infection
- Sterile leukocyturia - without bacterial growth in culture
Possible reasons
The most common cause in women is cystitis and vaginal discharge in the analysis, in men - urethritis and prostatitis, in the elderly - stagnation of urine due to prostate adenoma. If bacteria do not grow in the urine culture, but white blood cells remain, the doctor looks for stones, inflammation of the kidney tissue, chlamydial or gonorrheal infection, tuberculosis of the urinary system. Some medications can also increase white blood cells in the urine.
- Cystitis and urethritis
- Pyelonephritis
- Prostatitis in men
- Vulvovaginitis and incorrect collection of analysis in women
- Urolithiasis
- Sexual infections, tuberculosis of the urinary system
Associated symptoms
The nature of the complaints suggests where the inflammation is located. With cystitis, you are worried about frequent painful urges, burning and heaviness above the pubis without high fever. Pyelonephritis is manifested by fever, chills, lower back pain, and weakness. Asymptomatic leukocyturia occurs in the elderly, with diabetes mellitus and in women with altered microflora. In young children, a urinary tract infection often manifests itself only as fever and restlessness.
- Burning and pain when urinating
- Frequent urges, including at night
- Cloudy urine with an unpleasant odor
- Pain in the lower abdomen or lower back
- Fever and chills
- Discharge from the urethra or vagina
What examinations are needed
The analysis is retaken by correctly collecting the average portion of morning urine after washing; Women are advised to cover the vaginal opening with a cotton swab. Nechiporenko analysis helps to count cells more accurately. Bacteriological culture of urine determines the pathogen and its sensitivity to antibiotics. Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder shows stones, dilation of the collecting system and residual urine. Women may need a gynecological examination and pap smear, while men may need a prostate examination.
- Repeated general urine test
- Urinalysis according to Nechiporenko
- Urine culture with antibiotic sensitivity
- Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder
- Smears for genital infections
- General blood test at temperature
What to do and treatment
If there are no complaints, and leukocytes are detected once, the test is first retaken correctly. Asymptomatic bacteriuria and leukocyturia are usually not treated with antibiotics, with the exception of pregnant women and patients before urological operations. For cystitis and pyelonephritis, the doctor prescribes an antibiotic, taking into account the culture and duration of the course. Stones, prostatitis and sexually transmitted infections are treated according to separate regimens. Drinking plenty of fluids and regularly emptying the bladder helps with inflammation, but does not replace treatment. Do not take antibiotics left over from last time without a doctor's prescription.
- Correct retake of the analysis
- Antibiotic only for confirmed infection
- Monitoring urine analysis after treatment according to indications
- Sufficient drinking regime
- Treatment of stones, prostatitis, genital infections
- Mandatory monitoring in pregnant women and children