What does leukocytes and urobilinogen on a urine dipstick test mean?

Leukocytes and urobilinogen are two substances that can be detected in urine using a dipstick test. The presence of either of these substances can indicate an underlying medical condition.

Leukocytes are white blood cells. They are part of the body's immune system and help to fight infection. When leukocytes are present in the urine, it can indicate that there is an infection in the urinary tract, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Urobilinogen is a waste product that is produced when the liver breaks down hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Urobilinogen is normally present in small amounts in the urine. However, high levels of urobilinogen can indicate that there is a problem with the liver or gallbladder, such as liver disease or a gallstone.

If you have a positive result for either leukocytes or urobilinogen on a urine dipstick test, it is important to see your doctor for further evaluation. Your doctor may order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the underlying cause.

Here are some possible causes of leukocytes and urobilinogen on a urine dipstick test:

Leukocytes:

* Urinary tract infection (UTI)

* Kidney infection

* Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland)

* Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra)

* Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina)

Urobilinogen:

* Liver disease

* Gallbladder disease

* Hemolytic anemia (a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed too quickly)

* Gilbert's syndrome (a condition in which the liver does not process bilirubin properly)