Pus Cell

The pus cells test detects and measures the number of pus cells in the urine. This test, often conducted as part of a urine routine and microscopy test, helps assess urinary tract health and detect infections and inflammatory conditions affecting the urinary system.

Pus cells are a collection of dead, white blood cells that accumulates when the body's immune system activates in response to an infection. When present in urine (the condition is known as Pyuria), they indicate inflammation or infection in the urinary tract. Early detection of pyuria through this test allows for timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which often involves antibiotics to clear the infection and prevent complications.

Doctors may recommend this test when individuals present with symptoms such as frequent and painful urination, lower abdominal pain, or cloudy and foul-smelling urine, which are indicative of a possible UTI. Additionally, the test may be performed as part of routine health checkups, especially for individuals with risk factors such as diabetes, pregnancy, or a history of recurrent UTIs predisposing them to urinary tract infections. 

While a certain amount of pus cells in urine is considered normal, an elevated number of pus cells in the urine sample are an indication of some underlying conditions such as  urinary tract infection (UTI) or other inflammatory conditions affecting the urinary system, warranting further investigations. A negative test result indicates the absence of significant pus cell presence, suggesting no ongoing infection or inflammation in the urinary tract. Thus, identifying and quantifying pus cells helps doctors diagnose and monitor such infections, guiding appropriate treatment strategies.

Drink enough water to provide a urine sample. A mid-stream urine sample should be collected into a sterile container provided by the sample collection professional. Women are advised not to give the sample during their menstrual period unless prescribed, as it can interfere with certain test results. Inform your doctor about all the medications or supplements that you may be taking as these may affect the test results , potentially requiring adjustments or temporary discontinuation before the test. 

Don't self-medicate at home solely based on these results and always consult a doctor for proper understanding of the test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help the doctor correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The results will help them determine your medical condition and formulate your treatment plan.