Dr. Betsy, I just took a home urinary infection test and it's showing positive for white blood cells in my urine. Does that mean I have an infection?
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I often get this question from women who have either done home tests or received results from their doctor's office. So, let's break down how these dip stick tests actually work.
These types of tests involve applying a fluid onto a reagent stick. Different parts of the stick will change color when certain elements like bacteria, white blood cells, or blood are present.
Now, let's understand what a positive result for these factors means:
Blood: Finding blood in the urine may indicate inflammation or irritation caused by an infection, stones, growths, or tumors. It's important to note that the blood may not necessarily come from the bladder itself. Vaginal secretions, especially during menstruation or in cases of thin vulvar tissue, can falsely appear in the urine sample. This happens because, despite our best efforts as women, urine can wash over the vulva and pick up bacteria, white blood cells, or blood from areas other than the urinary tract. However, it's crucial not to overlook this finding, as in rare cases, blood in the urine can be an early sign of urinary tract or reproductive tract cancers. It requires further evaluation by a healthcare professional.
White Blood Cells (WBC) or Leukocytes: WBCs are our immune cells that fight infections. They are typically seen in a urine sample as a response to a bacterial infection or urinary tract inflammation. Just as mentioned earlier, WBCs can also be found in vaginal secretions without necessarily signaling an infection.
Bacteria or Nitrites: If bacteria are detected in the urine, it could indicate the presence of an infection or normal colonization of the bladder by bacteria. Previously, scientists believed that urine was sterile, but now we know that there can be normal levels of bacteria in the urine. However, it's important to note that if there has been any vulvar or vaginal wash-off into the specimen cup, this can lead to a false finding.
So, what should you do if any of these factors show a positive result? The most important thing to remember is not to panic. Take a deep breath and seek follow-up care from a healthcare provider who is well-versed in interpreting these test results. If you experience symptoms such as urgency, frequency, incontinence, burning, or fever, it's imperative to seek assessment and treatment as soon as possible. Even if you don't have any symptoms, it's still crucial to follow up with a healthcare practitioner to rule out any underlying serious condition.