What does pyuria signify on urinalysis?

• A. White blood cells in urine, often indicating infection or inflammation of the urinary tract
• B. Red blood cells in urine
• C. Bacteria in urine
• D. Glucose in urine

Answer: (A)

Pyuria signifies white blood cells in urine. White blood cells are part of the body's defense against infection and irritation in the urinary tract, so their presence indicates inflammation or infection such as cystitis or pyelonephritis. On urinalysis, this can be seen as white blood cells under the microscope or inferred from a positive leukocyte esterase test on a dipstick. While pyuria often points to a urinary tract infection, it can also occur with other inflammatory conditions of the urinary tract. Red blood cells would indicate blood in the urine, bacteria would indicate bacteriuria, and glucose would indicate glucose in the urine.