Leukocyte esterase

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Leukocyte Esterase

Leukocyte esterase (pronounced: loo-ko-site es-ter-ase) is an enzyme present in most white blood cells (leukocytes). The presence of leukocyte esterase in urine is a strong indicator of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other conditions that cause inflammation in the urinary tract.

Etymology

The term "leukocyte esterase" is derived from two words. "Leukocyte" comes from the Greek words "leukos" meaning "white" and "kytos" meaning "cell". "Esterase" is derived from "ester", a compound produced by the reaction between an acid and an alcohol, and the suffix "-ase" which is used in biochemistry to denote enzymes.

Function

Leukocyte esterase is an enzyme that is produced by neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. This enzyme is released when the cell is broken down. In a leukocyte esterase test, the presence of this enzyme in the urine indicates the presence of white blood cells, suggesting an infection or inflammation in the urinary tract.

Related Terms

  • Leukocyte: A type of blood cell that is part of the immune system. There are several types of leukocytes, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.
  • Esterase: A type of enzyme that breaks down esters into an acid and an alcohol.
  • Neutrophil: A type of white blood cell that is often the first cell type to travel to the site of an infection.
  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): An infection in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra.

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