Do I need a Leukocytes test?

Do you suspect a urinary tract infection, or want to understand what's happening in your body when you experience burning sensations during urination? A leukocytes test may help you get answers.

This test detects white blood cells in your urine, which can indicate your immune system is responding to infection or inflammation in the urinary tract.

Understanding your leukocyte levels can help you and your healthcare provider identify potential issues early and make informed decisions about your health. It's a straightforward part of urinalysis that forms part of Listen Health's comprehensive screening panel, giving you insight into what your body is signalling.

Leukocytes — Key Facts
MeasuresChecks for white blood cells in the urinary tract, usually a sign of infection or inflammation
CategoryUrine
UnituL
Tested inListen Health Standard & Premium membership (100+ biomarkers)
Reviewed byDr Jamie Deans, MBChB

What is it?

Leukocytes in urine indicate white blood cells (WBCs) have entered the urinary tract—usually a sign of infection or inflammation. WBCs are part of the immune system and help fight infections. Their presence in urine, termed pyuria, is detected through urinalysis or dipstick testing.

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Why does it matter?

Pyuria often suggests a urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney infection, but it can also occur with kidney stones, interstitial cystitis, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Detecting leukocytes helps identify inflammation early, prompting further testing or treatment to prevent kidney involvement and chronic infection.

References

  1. Bilsen, M. P., Conroy, S. P., Schneeberger, C., et al. (2024). A reference standard for urinary tract infection research: A multidisciplinary Delphi consensus study. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 24(6), 679–689.

  2. Miller, J. M., Binnicker, M. J., Campbell, S., et al. (2024). Guide to utilization of the microbiology laboratory for diagnosis of infectious diseases: 2024 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Society for Microbiology. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 78(3), e1–e50.

  3. Kuo, I. C., Lee, J. J., Hwang, D. Y., et al. (2020). Pyuria, urinary tract infection and renal outcome in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3–5. Scientific Reports, 10, 1943.

  4. Lee, Y., Hyun, J., Song, J. E., et al. (2025). Urine leukocyte counts for differentiating asymptomatic bacteriuria from urinary tract infection and predicting secondary bacteremia. Journal of Korean Medical Science, 40(3), e45.

  5. Hooton, T. M. (2012). Uncomplicated urinary tract infection. The New England Journal of Medicine, 366(11), 1028–1037.

  6. Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. (2019). Urinary tract infection. https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide

Frequently Asked Questions

Blood, Urine

Squamous Epithelial Cells

Bacteria

Chlamydia

Calcium

Bicarbonate

AHPRA Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and should not replace individual medical advice. Always discuss your test results and health concerns with a registered healthcare practitioner.