What Is Meant By Leukocyte Esterase Level Of 3+ And WBC 11.6?

Posted on Thu, 15 Nov 2012

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

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 Answered on

Wed, 5 Dec 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I have a leukocyte esterase level of 3+ with a WBC from my urinalysis at 20. With the CBC my WBC was 11.6. What could this mean?

Answered by Dr. G.Srinivasan (1 hour later)

Hi,

Welcome to XXXXXXX and Thanks for your query.
The urine tests most probably mean the urinary tract infection is spreading to the blood stream.
The next step would be to do urine culture test to look for the bacteria and the antibiotics that are needed to eradicate it. Meanwhile empirical antibiotics need to be given as the culture test result takes 2 days.

Kindly get medical advice and get well soon.
Regards
DR GS

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

Follow up: Dr. G.Srinivasan (5 hours later)

Thank you for yOur reply. My CBC overall showed 11.6 as WBC but my urine culture showed WBC to be 20 as stated in my original question. So with that said would your response be the same? Leukocyte was 3+ as well. Please advise.

Answered by Dr. G.Srinivasan (1 hour later)

Hi,

Welcome back.
I understood the question, the first time itself.
The response is the same.

regards,
DR GS

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