Leukocyte esterase is a urine test to look for white blood cells and other signs associated with infection.
Alternative NamesWBC esterase
How the test is performedA clean catch urine sample is needed. See: Urine specimen - clean catch
How to prepare for the testNo special preparation is necessary for this test.
How the test will feelThe test will involve only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.
Why the test is performedLeukocyte esterase is a screening test used to detect a substance that suggests there are white blood cells in the urine, which may mean you have a urinary tract infection.
This test is part of the routine urine dipstick test. If this test is positive, the urine should be examined under a microscope for white blood cells and other abnormalities associated with infection.
Normal ValuesA negative test result is normal.
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanAn abnormal result indicates a possible urinary tract infection.
What the risks areThere are no risks.
Special considerationsThe following may create a false positive result:
False negative tests can be caused by:
A leukocyte esterase result of 1+ indicates the presence of white blood cells (WBCs) in the urine, suggesting a possible urinary tract infection. A WBC count of 0-5 is within the normal range, but in combination with leukocyte esterase positivity, it may indicate an early infection or inflammation in the urinary tract. Further evaluation and follow-up may be needed to determine the cause.
The 10 tests routinely done during a urinalysis include physical examination (color, clarity), chemical examination (pH, protein, glucose, ketones, nitrites, leukocyte esterase), microscopic examination (urine sediment), specific gravity, and urine culture.
esterase, unlike lipases, are inactive against water-insoluble esters as vinyl laurate and trioctanoylglycerol. From the the comparison of structural features of sequence-related esterases and lipases, it appears that lipases, unlike esterases, display a significant difference in the distribution of hydrophobic amino acid residues at vicinity of their active site
Urine is 95% water, and also contains Urea, Creatinine, Uric acid, as well as salt and ammonia and other trace elements and hormones.
A routine urinalysis usually includes the following tests: color, transparency, specific gravity, pH, protein, glucose, ketones, blood, bilirubin, nitrite, urobilinogen, and leukocyte esterase.
A cause of leukocyte esterase in urine is an urinary tract infection. Leukocyte esterase is a test used to detect a specific substance that indicates that there may be white blood cells in urine.
A leukocyte esterase is an enzyme found in the urine that indicates the presence of white blood cells, specifically leukocytes. It is often used as a marker for urinary tract infections. High levels of leukocyte esterase can suggest inflammation or infection in the urinary tract.
through the urine
Lymphocytes would not produce a positive leukocyte esterase test on a urine chemical reagent strip. The leukocyte esterase test primarily detects the presence of neutrophils, which release the enzyme leukocyte esterase. Since lymphocytes do not produce this enzyme, their presence in the urine would not contribute to a positive test result.
My leukocyte Esterace ua came indicating I have a moderate amount in my urine. Will my doctor prescribe an antibiotic?
Leukocyte esterase is a test used to help determine whether a person has a urinary tract infection.
A leukocyte esterase test measures the presence of the enzyme leukocyte esterase in urine, which indicates the presence of white blood cells (leukocytes). A positive result (often indicated as "1+" or similar) typically suggests a urinary tract infection (UTI) or inflammation in the urinary tract. However, it is not specific to infections, and further testing may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis. Always consult a healthcare provider for interpretation of test results in the context of symptoms and clinical findings.
Leukocyte esterase plus 1 indicates the presence of leukocyte esterase, an enzyme produced by white blood cells, in a urine sample. This result typically suggests a mild level of white blood cell activity, which can be associated with urinary tract infections or inflammation. A "plus 1" result is often considered a low positive, indicating the potential need for further evaluation or testing. It is important to interpret this result in conjunction with other clinical findings and laboratory tests.
Leukoesterase = Leukocyte + Esterase. Leukoesterase is a combination word derived from the words Leukocyte and Esterase (LE), which is a urine test for the presence of white blood cells in the urine. "Leukocyte" meaning white blood cell and "Esterase" meaning white blood cell enzyme. Leukoesterase is released by white blood cells. A positive screen for leukoesterase usually indicates a urinary tract infection, in combination with a positive nitrite test - (see "Nitrite Test"). The LE test is also used to screen for gnorrhea and amniotic fluid. In a normal urinalysis Leukesterase is not present or "negative" when listed in lab results. *Please see Leukocyte Esterase Wiki for further discussion and more detailed explantion.
Leukocyte esterase is a urine test that is used to determine the amount of white blood cells. It also can check the existing white blood cells for abnormalities that would be caused by an infection.
A leukocyte esterase result of 1+ indicates the presence of white blood cells (WBCs) in the urine, suggesting a possible urinary tract infection. A WBC count of 0-5 is within the normal range, but in combination with leukocyte esterase positivity, it may indicate an early infection or inflammation in the urinary tract. Further evaluation and follow-up may be needed to determine the cause.
Leuko Est is an abbreviation used for leukocyte esterase urine test. This test is used to determine if an individual has specific types of infections.