Abnormal Urinalysis: Should You See a Urologist?

Q: Abnormal Urinalysis: Should You See a Urologist?

Hello： It is not necessarily inflammation. <br>If you are very concerned, a urine test at the hospital can be done; make sure to collect a midstream sample. <br>If everything is fine, you can check again when you have time. <br>When seeking medical attention, be sure to rule out

Health check-up issues

Hello doctor, today my health check report shows an abnormal result for urinary leukocyte esterase (+/-).
Does this indicate a urinary tract infection? I have no discomfort when using the restroom, and my urination is normal—no pain or fever.
The other values in the report are: urine specific gravity 1.008, urine pH 6.5, urobilinogen 0.2, and all other tests are negative.
The urine sediment analysis for red blood cells, white blood cells, and epithelial cells was not performed.
Should I see a urologist? Thank you.

11223, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/06/02

Dr. Jian Weihong reply Urology

Hello: It is not necessarily inflammation.
If you are very concerned, a urine test at the hospital can be done; make sure to collect a midstream sample.
If everything is fine, you can check again when you have time.
When seeking medical attention, be sure to rule out the menstrual period.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/06/02

More Info

Based on your urinalysis results, it appears that you have a slight abnormality in your urine leukocyte esterase levels, which could indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI). However, it's important to note that the presence of leukocyte esterase alone is not definitive for a UTI, especially since you are not experiencing any symptoms such as pain, burning during urination, or fever.
Leukocyte esterase is an enzyme produced by white blood cells (WBCs), and its presence in urine can suggest that there is an inflammatory response occurring in the urinary tract. However, the absence of other symptoms and the normal appearance of your urine (clear, light yellow) suggest that there may not be a significant infection.
Your other urinalysis values, including specific gravity (1.008), pH (6.5), and urobilinogen (0.2), are within normal ranges. The specific gravity indicates your urine is somewhat dilute, which can be due to various factors, including hydration status. A pH of 6.5 is also considered normal and indicates a slightly acidic urine, which is typical.

Given that you do not have any symptoms of a UTI and your other urinalysis results are normal, it may not be necessary to see a urologist immediately. However, if you notice any changes in your urinary habits, such as increased frequency, urgency, or discomfort, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional.
In general, if leukocyte esterase is detected in the urine, further evaluation may be warranted, especially if there are other signs of infection or if symptoms develop. A urinalysis that includes a microscopic examination of the urine sediment can provide additional information, such as the presence of red blood cells, white blood cells, and bacteria, which can help clarify the situation.

If you are concerned about the leukocyte esterase result, you might consider repeating the urinalysis after a few days, especially if you remain asymptomatic. This can help determine if the result was a transient finding or indicative of a developing issue.
In summary, while the presence of leukocyte esterase can suggest a potential urinary tract infection, your lack of symptoms and normal urinalysis results indicate that it may not be necessary to see a urologist at this time. However, remain vigilant for any changes in your urinary health, and do not hesitate to seek medical advice if you have any concerns. Regular check-ups and maintaining good hydration can also contribute to urinary health.

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