Leukocyte esterase

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Male urinary system

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.

Review Date: 01/10/2010
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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