Understanding Urine Test Results: What Do Abnormal Scores Mean?

Question
What are the "scores" in urine tests that would cause a doctor to suspect infection somewhere in the body.  What is the difference between a "suspicious" number of leukocytes and a leukocyte number that is above normal, but considered clinically insignificant?

Answer
Hi Margaret,
Leukocytes may be present in urine even when no infection is present. If they are, there are other things to consider like Nitrites being present, bacteria and red blood cells. Also there are physical symptoms such as urinary burning, low back or flank pain and pelvic pressure. There are no specific numbers of leukocytes that "tip off" the diagnosis.