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Correlation of leukocyte esterase detection and the presence of leukocytes in body fluids
Abstract:
The Chemstrip-L test was evaluated in 249 body fluids for its ability to detect leukocytes. Three of 42 cerebrospinal fluids were positive for leukocyte esterases, of which all three were cases of culture-confirmed bacterial meningitis. After the addition of predetermined numbers of neutrophils, the lowest level of detection of neutrophils in cerebrospinal fluids was 40 per microliter. Seventy-five of 200 (38%) peritoneal fluids had positive leukocyte esterase tests. Sixty-six of 72 (89%) peritoneal fluids with 100 or greater neutrophils per microliter had positive leukocyte esterase tests. Protein content, if increased, may interfere with the results of the L-test.
Insights
The Chemstrip-L test effectively detects leukocytes in body fluids. It showed high accuracy in identifying bacterial meningitis in cerebrospinal fluid and peritoneal fluid infections.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Diagnostic Testing
Background:
- Leukocyte detection in body fluids is crucial for diagnosing infections.
- Rapid and reliable diagnostic tests are needed for timely treatment.
- The Chemstrip-L test offers a potential method for leukocyte esterase detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the Chemstrip-L test for detecting leukocytes in various body fluids.
- To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the Chemstrip-L test in cerebrospinal and peritoneal fluids.
Main Methods:
- The Chemstrip-L test was used to analyze 249 body fluid samples.
- Cerebrospinal fluids (CSFs) and peritoneal fluids were tested for leukocyte esterase.
- Neutrophil counts and protein content were assessed in relation to test results.
Main Results:
- Three of 42 CSFs tested positive for leukocyte esterase, all associated with bacterial meningitis.
- The test detected as few as 40 neutrophils/µL in CSFs.
- 38% of peritoneal fluids showed positive results; 89% of those with ≥100 neutrophils/µL were positive.
- Elevated protein levels may interfere with test accuracy.
Conclusions:
- The Chemstrip-L test is a valuable tool for detecting leukocytes, particularly in diagnosing bacterial meningitis via CSF analysis.
- The test demonstrates good performance in identifying infections in peritoneal fluids.
- Consideration of protein levels is recommended for accurate interpretation of Chemstrip-L results.