Trace leukocytes on Azo Test Strip

[irfran]

I am in a panic. We are leaving tomorrow to see the grandchildren (6 hour drive) and I can't stop running to the bathroom.

I did an Azo Test Strip and I tested trace leukocytes. I was not in the positive section. No nitrites showing.

Does this sound like an infection or just a flare. I managed to hold my urine two hours before I did the test. I just couldn't hold it any longer than that. I know the directons say 4 hours is best but I know I won't be able to do that.

This is the first time I have ever used a test strip..............I wonder if I always have trace leukocytes.

Just wondering what you all think and would love some input.

[cmclien]

Hi, there are different opinions about this but when I have any leukocytes in my urine I have symptoms like you and my doc puts me on an antibiotic and I feel better. He says it could just be the start of an infection but some of us are so sensitive that we feel it coming on before there is blood there too. Usually when there are leukocytes things feel inflamed for me, stream stops on its own before I'm done and my urine is cloudy. I thought I read in their literature (azo) that the color doesn't matter on the test strip, positive is positive and worth running to your doctor for a culture before you go today.

Good luck!

[ICNDonna]

I would definitely call my doctor. You don't want to have an infection spoil your visit. If you're already on your way, remember that you can go to an urgent care center or ER for some help.

Sending warm hugs,
Donna

[irfran]

My bladded seemed to settle down on my trip but I did go for a culture upon my return. The results on the culture are negative. I still show trace amount of leukocytes on the Azo strips. I can only assume it is caused from my IC flare. I plan to check myself in a week or so to see if I still show trace amounts. Perhaps this is normal for me with IC. I will NEVER figure this disease out.

[sailawaygrl]

I personally have given up using the AZO strips, mine always show leukocytes but I never test positive for an infection with dip test or culture.

Sandra

[spelt 70]

AZO test strips

I have used the AZO test strips. I think you only have to be concerned if you show a problem with the Nitrites. You can always show some Leukocyte problems due to the urine hitting the vaginal area as it comes out.

[polygon]

I found I have trace leukocytes in my urine, from a urine test done at a lab.
I was already on antibiotics for a wisdom tooth infection though.
Does this warrant another trip to the doctors?

[Mothergoose]

I would call and ask. Ab's are often for a specific part of your body.

My doc often reffers to some ab's being good for the chest up and others chest down.

So even though you are on ab's, if you have a UTI they not be helpping it at all.

MG

[kadi]

My doctor told me that some UTI's don't test positive for nitrites. So, if I have heavy leukocytes and that tell-tale burn-wanting-to-punch-someone when voiding, it's a good idea for me to go in. I've had this happen so many times, that my doctor just leaves a standing order for urinalysis for me at the lab, so I just go in, leave a sample. Most of the time, the lab techs know me and tell me to wait to see if they can see anything under the microscope. If they do, they call the doctor & his nurse calls the pharmacy. I think I'm really lucky to have this support.

[polygon]

Mothergoose - Crap! I was hoping it would have helped lol, but that's really good to know. I've only had one UTI and it was very severe and when I was very young. I'll definitely call and see what's up with it.

Kadi - That's so awesome they're so supportive! I'm guessing you get UTIs a lot?
I checked over my results (always get a copy) and there are no nitries, only trace leukocytes.

I know this sound weird, but if some ABs only work on certain parts of the body, could it be that the leukocytes were from the tooth infection or do leukocytes in the urine only come from the urethra/bladder/kidney?

[kadi]

Yes, I had a bad year where I got a UTI about every 4-6 weeks. My IC went berserk from flaring from the infection and the antibiotics. It was horrible. So, I had allergy testing done to find out if I could take PenVK daily. My mom had told me I was allergic to penicillin as a baby, but my doctor suspected I wasn't allergic to it anymore, so he sent me to an allergist to be tested. It turned out I'm not allergic to penicillin, so I could take the PenVK daily as prevention and that stopped the whole awful cycle. Very grateful!

[Mothergoose]

Polygon

I learnt the hard way I had a uti and took ab's for it while i was sick with that I got a sinus infection but didn't go back to Dr. figureing I was already on ab's, wrong I got quite sick before i went in.

I too have really good support, I have a standing order to have my urine tested any time I want, mine is also always sent out for culture, as most of my infections show up with culture rather than office test.

I also have a rx for ab's at home to take anytime i figure I have a UTI. My doc want's me to collect a sample first, then start ab's if i figure I have a uti, I just get way too sick way to fast if I don't start Ab's right away. I used to fight doing this but my health is much better starting right away.

MG