Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

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What term refers to an increase of urinary WBC?

Pyelonephritis
Cystitis
Urethritis
Pyuria

The correct answer is: Pyuria

The term that refers specifically to an increase in white blood cells (WBC) in the urine is pyuria. Pyuria is characterized by the presence of pus in the urine, which occurs when there is an infection or inflammation in the urinary tract. An elevated WBC count in urine indicates that the body is responding to an infection, and this can be observed in various conditions affecting the urinary system. While pyelonephritis, cystitis, and urethritis are all types of urinary tract infections (UTIs) that can lead to pyuria, they are not terms that directly denote the presence of WBCs in the urine. Instead, they describe specific locations and types of infections within the urinary tract. Pyelonephritis refers to a kidney infection, cystitis to a bladder infection, and urethritis to an inflammation of the urethra. Pyuria can be present in these conditions, but it is the general term used to indicate the increase of WBCs in urine, making it the most accurate choice for the question.