Leukocyte esterase is a urine test to look for white blood cells and other signs associated with infection.
WBC esterase
A clean catch urine sample is needed. See: Urine specimen - clean catch
No special preparation is necessary for this test.
The test will involve only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.
Leukocyte 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.
A 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.
An abnormal result indicates a possible urinary tract infection.
There are no risks.
The following may create a false positive result:
False negative tests can be caused by:
Review Date: 1/10/2010
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