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WBC (urine)

Urine_hematology Unit: /HPF Urine test

White cells in urine; infection or inflammation marker

Also known as: White Blood Cells (urine),Pyuria

Reference Ranges

Clinical Reference 0.0 – 5.0 /HPF
Optimal Range 0.0 – 3.0 /HPF

>5 = pyuria; suggests infection or inflammation

Related Conditions

Urinary Tract Infection High
Kidney Disease High

Food & Lifestyle Recommendations

🍎 Food Drink cranberry juice or take cranberry extract — may prevent bacteria from adhering to urinary tract Meta-analyses show cranberry reduces UTI recurrence by 26% in women with recurrent UTIs
🍎 Food Stay well-hydrated — frequent urination helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract Adequate hydration reduces UTI risk by increasing urinary flow and bacterial clearance

Evidence-Backed Supplements

When High

  • Probiotics Tier A May Decrease

    Moderate evidence; probiotics (especially Lactobacillus strains) prevent recurrent UTIs by maintaining urogenital flora.

    Multi-strain probiotic (Lactobacillus + Bifidobacterium) 5–50 billion CFU/day Morning on empty stomach
    PMID 36001877 PMID 25927096 PMID 32128794
  • Vitamin C Tier A May Decrease

    Limited evidence; vitamin C acidifies urine and may inhibit bacterial growth. Often recommended for UTI prevention.

    Ascorbic acid 250–500 mg/day Divided doses
    PMID 26415762 PMID 28301692 PMID 23440782

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

  • Do I need antibiotics for my elevated urine WBC, or could it be from inflammation rather than infection? Pyuria with nitrites = bacterial UTI; pyuria without nitrites may be sterile pyuria (TB, stones, inflammation).

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