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Abstract:
The survival of white cells under 15 mu in diameter (95% polymorphonuclear leucocytes), obtained from the urine of patients with urinary tract infections, was examined in vitro under different conditions of osmolarity, pH, and temperature of incubation. The rate at which urinary white cells disintegrate was found to be accelerated by raising the pH, decreasing the osmolarity, and by increasing the temperature at which suspensions were kept. The most rapid disappearance of white cells occurred in hypotonic alkaline suspension at 37 degrees C. There was little change in cell suspensions kept in acid (pH 3.0) or in hypertonic (1,200 mOsmoles/1.) conditions over a period of 24 hours. The findings indicate that in interpreting the significance of the number of leucocytes in urine it is necessary to take into account the condition of the urine and the time and temperature at which it has been kept before examination.
Insights
Urine white blood cell survival is significantly impacted by sample conditions. Factors like pH, osmolarity, and temperature accelerate white blood cell disintegration, affecting infection diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, and white blood cells (leukocytes) in urine are key indicators of infection.
- Accurate interpretation of leukocyte counts is crucial for diagnosing UTIs.
- Factors affecting leukocyte viability in urine samples before analysis are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro survival of urinary white blood cells under varying conditions.
- To determine how osmolarity, pH, and temperature influence the disintegration rate of leukocytes in urine.
Main Methods:
- White blood cells (primarily polymorphonuclear leukocytes) were isolated from urine of UTI patients.
- Cells were incubated in vitro under controlled conditions of varying pH, osmolarity, and temperature.
- Leukocyte survival and disintegration rates were monitored over time.
Main Results:
- Increased pH, decreased osmolarity, and higher incubation temperatures accelerated white blood cell disintegration.
- The most rapid cell disappearance occurred in hypotonic, alkaline urine at 37°C.
- Leukocytes remained largely unchanged in acidic (pH 3.0) or hypertonic (1,200 mOsmoles/L) conditions for 24 hours.
Conclusions:
- Urine sample conditions significantly affect white blood cell viability.
- Accurate interpretation of urine leukocyte counts requires consideration of urine pH, osmolarity, storage temperature, and time before analysis.
- These findings are critical for reliable UTI diagnosis and management.