What does it mean when protein and white blood cells are present in urine?
My lab report is ready, and the report indicates a positive result for protein and a positive result for white blood cells. May I ask what does a positive result for protein and white blood cells mean?
Doctor's answer (1)
In medical examinations, particularly routine urinalysis, if the results show "protein positive" and "white blood cells positive," it typically indicates the following possibilities:
1. Protein positive: This may indicate the presence of excess protein in the urine, which is usually associated with kidney diseases such as nephritis or nephrotic syndrome. Protein positivity can also be physiological, for example, after intense physical activity, high fever, or a high-protein diet, although such cases are relatively rare.
2. White blood cells positive: This suggests the presence of white blood cells in the urine, which is typically a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). White blood cells are part of the body's defense response to inflammation and infection, so their presence often indicates the proliferation of bacteria or other pathogens in the urinary tract.
Therefore, when both protein and white blood cells are found to be positive in routine urinalysis, it may indicate the presence of kidney disease or a urinary tract infection. An accurate diagnosis, however, requires further evaluation based on the patient's clinical symptoms, additional test results, and the physician's comprehensive assessment. Thus, patients are advised to seek timely medical consultation for further investigation and treatment.
