Leukocytes and blood in urine

Leukocytes are white blood cells. Their presence can suggest inflammation or infection in the urinary tract, while blood may be visible or found only on a urine test. A urinary tract infection can cause burning, urgency and cloudy urine; a kidney infection may add fever or pain in the side. Kidney stones, prostate conditions, exercise, contamination from vaginal bleeding and other urinary problems can also produce these findings. A single result does not identify the cause.

Tell your clinician about burning, frequency, pain, fever, recent exercise, menstrual bleeding, medicines and previous urinary problems. They may request a clean-catch urine sample, culture, repeat test or blood tests. Drink normally unless you have been given fluid restrictions, and do not take leftover antibiotics. If blood remains after an apparent infection settles, arrange the follow-up advised; persistent or visible blood may need further urinary-tract assessment.

Seek prompt care for fever with urinary symptoms, pain in the back or side, vomiting, difficulty passing urine, or visible blood with clots. Emergency help is appropriate for severe worsening pain, fainting, confusion or inability to keep fluids down. People with pregnancy, one functioning kidney or significant immune problems should seek advice early when urinary symptoms begin.

Ask whether the sample may have been contaminated, whether a culture or repeat test is needed, what symptoms should prompt urgent care, and whether persistent blood requires imaging or specialist review.