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Pus Cells

Urine Analysis Biomarker

Sample Needed

Collection Type: Urine

Body System

Related System: Urine Analysis

Overview

Pus cells in urine are white blood cells (primarily neutrophils) shed into the urinary tract in response to infection or inflammation. The urine microscopy (or automated cell count) quantifies these cells; a positive dipstick leukocyte esterase suggests their presence. Elevated pus cells (pyuria) commonly point to a urinary tract infection (cystitis, pyelonephritis), but can also occur with urinary stones, interstitial nephritis, genital tract infections, recent instrumentation/catheterization, or contamination. Symptoms that prompt testing include dysuria, frequency, urgency, fever, flank pain, or unexplained malaise. Results vary by age and sex—women often have higher counts from periurethral contamination, elderly patients may have asymptomatic pyuria, and pregnant women or young children require lower thresholds for concern.

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Test Preparation

The urine sample must preferably be the first-morning midstream urine (part of urine that comes after the first and before the last stream)
Collect the urine sample in a sealed and sterile screw-capped container provided by our sample collection professional
Ensure that the urethral area (from where the urine is passed) is clean & the container doesn't come in contact with your skin
Women are advised not to give the sample during the menstrual period unless prescribed

Why Do I Need This Test

Profile: Urine Analysis (routine urinalysis) - Symptoms indicating test: dysuria, urgency, frequency, fever, flank pain, abdominal pain - Conditions diagnosed/monitored: urinary tract infection, pyelonephritis, prostatitis, interstitial nephritis, stones - Reasons for abnormal levels: infection, inflammation, contamination, catheterization, renal disease - Biological meaning: increased neutrophil presence signaling local immune response - Behaviors/lifestyle: poor perineal hygiene, sexual activity, indwelling catheters, recent antibiotics - Family history: recurrent UTIs or structural urinary tract abnormalities may prompt testing

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Understanding Test Results

0–5 cells/HPF (or <10 WBC/µL) is considered normal.
6–10 cells/HPF is borderline—may reflect contamination, early infection, or need for repeat testing and clinical correlation.
>10 cells/HPF (≥10 WBC/µL) indicates pyuria and commonly suggests urinary tract infection or significant inflammation; a urine culture is usually indicated.
Markedly elevated counts (for example >25–50 WBC/HPF or >>50 WBC/µL) signal pronounced infection such as acute cystitis or pyelonephritis and warrant prompt evaluation and treatment.
Pyuria with a negative culture (sterile pyuria) can occur with sexually transmitted infections, renal tuberculosis, stones, interstitial nephritis, recent antibiotic use, or contamination; correlate with symptoms and consider further testing.
Low or zero values are normal and typically not clinically significant.

Normal Range

0-5 cells/HPF OR <10 WBC/µL

FAQs

Q: What is pus cell normal range?

A: Normal pus cell (white blood cell) count in urine is usually 0–5 per high-power field (HPF). Counts above this (commonly >10/HPF) suggest pyuria and possible urinary tract infection or inflammation. Results should be interpreted with symptoms, dipstick/culture and clinical assessment; repeat testing or consult a clinician if elevated. Seek medical advice if symptomatic.

Q: What is a pus cell?

A: Pus cells are mainly neutrophils a type of white blood cell that gathers at sites of infection or inflammation. Dead and live neutrophils, plus bacteria and tissue debris, form pus. Finding pus cells in fluids (wound discharge, urine, sputum) usually indicates infection or inflammation and often prompts further testing and treatment to identify and clear the cause.

Q: What happens if your pus cells are high?

A: High pus cells (pyuria) usually indicate infection or inflammation in the urinary tract. Common causes include urinary tract infections, kidney infections, sexually transmitted infections, stones or catheters. Symptoms may include burning, frequent urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and fever. Diagnosis uses urine microscopy and culture. Treatment targets the cause—often antibiotics—and you should see a clinician promptly for fever, flank pain, blood, or worsening symptoms.

Q: What if pus cells are 10 to 15?

A: Ten to fifteen pus cells per high‑power field in urine is mildly to moderately elevated and commonly suggests urinary tract inflammation or infection. Correlate with symptoms burning, frequency, blood, or fever. A clinician will typically request a urine culture and guide antibiotic treatment if needed. Asymptomatic or recurrent cases may require repeat testing, imaging, or specialist referral.

Q: How to reduce pus cells?

A: Reducing pus cells requires treating the underlying infection: see a clinician for diagnosis and appropriate antibiotics for bacterial causes. Maintain good hygiene, clean and dress wounds, avoid squeezing abscesses (have them drained by a professional), stay well hydrated, and complete the prescribed antibiotic course. Follow-up testing and specialist care if symptoms persist are important to ensure resolution.

Q: How much pus is normal?

A: A small amount of thin, creamy or slightly yellowish drainage from a healing wound can be normal. Any increasing, thick, green or foul-smelling pus, large volume, persistent leakage, spreading redness, warmth, red streaks, rising pain or fever suggests significant infection. Seek medical review promptly if these signs occur or if you’re unsure about wound healing.