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Leukocytes in urine
White blood cells in urinary sediment. Their rise is the main laboratory sign of urinary tract inflammation.
Other names: LEU, LeukocytesSection: UrinalysisSpecialist: Primary care physician, urologist, nephrologist; women may also see a gynecologistSample: UrinePart of: Urinalysis
Updated: September 17, 2026·MedProtect editorial team Reference information — not a diagnosis or a prescription
In shortLeukocytes in urine signal inflammation of the urinary tract. Normal: up to 5–6 cells per field of view in women, 0–3 in men. The most common causes of a rise are cystitis and urethritis, less often pyelonephritis and stones.
What this marker is
Normally, single leukocytes enter urine from the urinary tract lining — that is not a disease. When there is inflammation in the kidneys, bladder or urethra, leukocytes migrate to the focus and their count in urine rises.
A marked rise is called leukocyturia; when there are so many cells that the urine turns cloudy, it is pyuria. Leukocyturia almost always needs review: either it is a urinary tract infection, or the sample was collected incorrectly (contamination with discharge).
Reference ranges
Group
Reference range
Women
0–6 per field of view
Men
0–3 per field of view
Children
up to 5–6 per field of view (slightly more acceptable in girls)
Pregnancy
up to 5–6 per field of view; above — rule out asymptomatic bacteriuria
The normal range is higher in women because vaginal discharge easily contaminates the sample — so proper collection matters (hygiene, midstream sample, no testing during menstruation). Reference ranges differ between laboratories — use the one on your report.
Check your value
Enter the number from your lab report — see how it compares with the typical range. Mind the units shown in the chosen row.
An approximate comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Ranges differ between laboratories — use the one on your report; a doctor interprets the result.
When it is high or appears: possible causes
CystitisThe most common cause in women: burning and frequency plus leukocytes and bacteria in urine.
UrethritisUrethral inflammation, including STIs — burning during urination.
PyelonephritisKidney infection: leukocytes in urine plus fever and flank pain — needs prompt treatment.
Kidney stonesA stone irritates the lining — leukocytes often together with red blood cells.
Prostatitis in menLeukocytes rise in the first portion of urine, with pelvic discomfort.
Poor collectionContamination with discharge — the most common cause of a “false” result.
What can skew the result
These factors can shift the result without any disease — keep them in mind before a retest:
Collection without genital hygieneMenstruation — skip the testNotable dischargeOld or non-sterile container, long storage
How to prepare
A midstream sample of the first morning urine after cleaning the genital area, in a clean container, delivered to the lab within 1–2 hours. Details: Preparation: urine.
When a retest makes sense
A doubtful result is retested in 1–2 weeks with careful preparation. During treatment of a urinary tract infection, a follow-up is done 1–2 weeks after the course, as prescribed by the doctor.
Who usually reviews this result
An out-of-range result is usually reviewed by: Primary care physician, urologist, nephrologist; women may also see a gynecologist. Bring your report and any previous results to the visit.
Names used on lab reports
Look for one of these names on your report: Leukocytes in urineLEULeukocytesLeukocyturiaWBC
Several markers on your report?
The app reads your whole report — this marker together with its neighbors, not one by one.
Moderate leukocyturia. If the sample was collected correctly and there are symptoms (burning, frequency), cystitis or urethritis is likely. Without symptoms, retest with careful preparation — contamination is a common cause.
Are urinary leukocytes dangerous in pregnancy?
A moderate rise itself is not dangerous, but in pregnancy asymptomatic bacteriuria must be ruled out — it is treated even without complaints because it raises the risk of pyelonephritis and complications.
Leukocytes are high but no bacteria — how?
This happens with poor collection, after recent antibiotics, with stones and “sterile” leukocyturia. The doctor usually orders a retest and a urine culture.
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