A leukocytes in urine test can indicate a urinary tract infection. In this article we explain how to conduct a leukocytes in urine test at home and what to do if you the result is positive.
Article summary
- Leukocytes are white blood cells (WBC)
- Leukocytes in urine can indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Testing for leukocytes in urine at home is easy and inexpensive
- A clean urine sample must be collected for accurate results
- The results of a leukocyte in urine test must be read after the minimum reaction time has passed
Go straight to instructions:
Leukocytes in urine test
A leukocytes in urine test can indicate the presence of a urinary tract infection. Leukocytes are white blood cells (WBC)that appear to fight the bacteria that causes a urinary tract infection (UTI).
An uncontrolled UTI can painful, cause the feeling of needing to urinate and in very extreme cases permanently damage the kidney.
UTI’s are more prevalent in women than men due to their different physiology. A proportion of the population suffer from recurrent UTI throughout their lifetime.
A leukocytes in urine test can be done at home and is easy and inexpensive.
In this article we will show you how to test for leukocytes in urine at home. We will take you through the steps to conduct this home urine test and give you some good tips for understanding your results.
Leukocytes in urine test instructions
Step 1 - select a urine test strip
To conduct a leukocytes in urine test at home you need to purchase a urine test strip that tests for leukocytes. The following products include a leukocyte assay and can be bought inexpensively in a pharmacy or online:Â
- Roche Combur 5
- Acon Mission 8N
- All Test URS-10T
- Siemens Multistix-10SG
Step 2 - Collect a urine sample
To collect a urine sample you will need a disposable urine collection cup.
Taking a sample from your first urination in the morning is recommended by many experts. Before collecting your sample men should make sure their penis is clean and women should ensure that the area between the labia are clean to ensure there is no contamination.
To collect your sample have your urine collection cup on hand and urinate a small amount into the toilet bowl then stop. Place the collection cup in the appropriate area and pee into the cup, stopping before it overflows. You are now ready to use your urine sample to do your urine test.
Step 3 - Conduct the test
Have your urine sample, your urine test strip and a stopwatch or the PURI urinalysis app ready and with the correct template open.
Dip your urine strip into the urine sample at the same time as you start the timer. Ensure all the reagent pads are submerged in the urine and are submerged for as long as your manufacturer recommends, usually 1 to 2 seconds.
On removing the strip wipe it on the side of the cup to remove any excess urine.
Wait until the correct reaction time has passed before reading your strip. PURI will indicate this by unlocking the template so you can enter results.
When the reaction time has passed follow the manufacturer’s instructions and compare the color of the reagent pads on the strip to the colored grid on the manufacturer’s packaging.
Step 4 - Record your leukocytes in urine test results
Once you have identified the test result, record the results in PURI or write them on a piece of paper or type them into an excel spreadsheet. If recording your results manually ensure you record the date and time as well as the result of your test.
If you use PURI you can save 2 photos with your test results. We recommend taking a photo of your urine sample and of the test result. This information can be useful when test results are reviewed by your doctor.
Step 5 - Review your results
If you had a negative result then you can either stop testing, or if you wish, continue testing at regular intervals to be 100% sure of the result. A series of results over time is much more reliable than a single result and we recommend you repeat the tests over a number of days to confirm the negative result.
If you received a positive result we recommend you visit your doctor for their opinion. Your doctor can carry repeat the test and also, if needed, order laboratory tests. They can diagnose your condition and prescribe a course of treatment. Until you doctors appointment we recommend you continue testing so you have more data to share with your doctor during your appointment.
For patients who suffer from recurrent UTI, regular testing may be able to identify a possible UIT before it gets to advanced. You can work with your medical carer to manage the underlying condition(s) that may cause leukocytes in urine to appear.Â
For users of PURI you can share your results via email or with other users in the app at a touch of a button.
