What Does Positive Leukocyte Esterase Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 4 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 4 Aug 2014 Answered on

Mon, 25 Aug 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I just had a bloodtest and my leukocyte esterase was 1+. However, there were no WBC. I hear elevated leukocyte esterase is a sign of infection. Yet everything else tested out ok. Is there any meaning to the result?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You should go for urinary nitrite test.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXX
Thanks for writing to HCM

Generally positive leukocyte esterase indicates UTI(urinary tract infection).
However,it may also be due to false positive results.
Since there were no WBC,you need clinical correlation and further investigations.
Further, you need urinary nitrite test.
Combination of the leukocyte esterase test and urinary nitrite test is an excellent screening test for the presence of a urinary tract infection (UTI).

When leukocyte esterase test and urinary nitrite test is positive then culture and sensitivity of urine should be done for proper therapy.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar