What does a positive leukocyte esterase indicate?

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Study for the Clinical Laboratory Science Test: Urinalysis and Body Fluids. Prepare with interactive questions, detailed explanations, and insightful feedback. Ace your examination!

Multiple Choice

What does a positive leukocyte esterase indicate?

Explanation:
Leukocyte esterase on a urine test strip detects an enzyme released by neutrophils. A positive result means there are white blood cells in the urine, i.e., pyuria, which commonly indicates urinary tract inflammation or infection. In clinical use, this finding supports a suspicion of UTI when combined with symptoms and other tests, and is often interpreted with nitrite results and microscopic analysis for a fuller picture. It does not indicate absence of bacteria, nor does it measure urine pH or glucose levels. These other factors are assessed by different parts of the dipstick or separate tests.

Leukocyte esterase on a urine test strip detects an enzyme released by neutrophils. A positive result means there are white blood cells in the urine, i.e., pyuria, which commonly indicates urinary tract inflammation or infection. In clinical use, this finding supports a suspicion of UTI when combined with symptoms and other tests, and is often interpreted with nitrite results and microscopic analysis for a fuller picture.

It does not indicate absence of bacteria, nor does it measure urine pH or glucose levels. These other factors are assessed by different parts of the dipstick or separate tests.

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