Urine white blood cells

Testing for white blood cells in the urine is important as it can help determine if you have an infection of the urinary tract.

Urine white blood cells Overview

Reviewed: April 22, 2014
Updated: 

A few white blood cells are normally found in the urine. However, if there are more than five white blood cells per high power field, then an urinary tract infection should be suspected and more tests need to be conducted.

White blood cells in the urine are measured by per high-power field. The normal range for white blood cells is 4-5 per high-power field.

Technique

Urine collection

Preparation

Fasting is not required before the test

What the results mean

More than five white blood cells per high power field seen in the urine may indicate inflammation of the bladder or an infection.