What does pyuria indicate in a urine sample?

Pyuria refers specifically to the presence of white blood cells in the urine, which is indicative of an inflammatory response, often due to infection. This condition frequently suggests a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other inflammatory processes affecting the urinary system.

When urine is examined microscopically, an increased number of white blood cells (leukocytes) can be observed, leading to a diagnosis of pyuria. The correlation of pyuria with inflammation highlights its importance in clinical settings for diagnosing infections and other disorders.

In contrast, the presence of bacteria, glucose, or red blood cells can indicate different underlying issues, such as infections, metabolic disorders, or bleeding, respectively, but they do not define pyuria itself. Therefore, understanding pyuria specifically in the context of white blood cells is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment in the evaluation of urine samples.