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Leukocyte esterase on a urine dipstick detects the enzyme released by white blood cells in the urine, indicating pyuria — the presence of white cells typically caused by a urinary tract infection, kidney infection, or inflammation. A positive leukocyte esterase should be interpreted alongside nitrite (which detects bacteria) and, if positive, confirmed with urine microscopy and culture. The combination of positive leukocyte esterase and nitrite has high sensitivity for a bacterial UTI.
Also known as: Leukocyte esterase
Positive leukocyte esterase indicates white blood cells in urine from UTI, kidney infection, or kidney stones. Combined positive leukocytes and nitrites have high UTI specificity.
Optimal is negative. Sterile pyuria has its own differential including tuberculosis and interstitial nephritis.