Leukocyte esterase

Leukocyte esterase (LE) is an esterase (a type of enzyme) produced by leukocytes (white blood cells). A leukocyte esterase test (LE test) is a urine test for the presence of white blood cells and other abnormalities associated with infection.

White blood cells in the urine usually indicate a urinary tract infection. Positive test results are clinically significant. The LE test is also used to screen for gonorrhea and for amniotic fluid infections. The combination of the LE test with the urinary nitrite test provides an excellent screen for establishing the presence of a urinary tract infection (UTI). A urine sample that tests positive for both nitrite and leukocyte esterase should be cultured for pathogenic bacteria.

"It has been proposed that the reagent strip for leukocyte esterase designed for the testing of urine (Combur test UX) could be a useful tool for diagnosing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis SBP."^[1] Braga et al. concluded that the Combur test UX urine screening test is a very sensitive and specific method for diagnosing SBP in the ascitic fluid of cirrhotic patients who have undergone paracentesis."

References

↑ Braga LL, Souza MH, Barbosa AM, Furtado FM, Campelo PA, Araújo Filho AH (May 2006). "Diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients in northeastern Brazil by use of rapid urine-screening test". Revista paulista de medicina 124 (3): 141–4. doi:10.1590/s1516-31802006000300006. PMID 17119690.

External links

leukocyte esterase at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
Leukocyte esterase urine test at MedlinePlus

Components and results of urine tests (CPT 81000–81099)

Protein	Albumin Myoglobin hCG Leukocyte esterase Urine pregnancy test

Small molecules	Ketone bodies Glucose Urobilinogen Bilirubin Creatinine

Blood cells	RBC WBC

Chemical properties	Urine specific gravity Urine osmolality Urine pH Urine anion gap

Other	Urinary casts

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