Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for Providence Health Care

Microscopy Interpretation

White Blood Cells (WBC)

Absence of WBC indicates no inflammation and culture is unlikely to indicate UTI

Presence of WBC represents inflammation

Often elevated in the presence of a catheter irrespective of infection

Red Blood Cells (RBC)

RBC may be present in UTI

Leukocyte Esterase

Indicates WBC are present

Nitrite

Measures nitrate reductase, which is produced by many Gram negative uropathogens. Does not differentiate colonization from infection