Understanding Urinalysis Results
As a 25-year-old woman who does not smoke, I recently underwent a complete blood count (CBC) to assess my hemoglobin levels. The results revealed an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count of 11,670, alongside an eosinophil count of 680. At the time of the test, I did not experience any symptoms; however, later that evening, I began to feel pain in my lower left rib, although no other issues presented themselves. Given my previous history of urinary tract infections, I decided to have a urine test conducted. The findings indicated an absence of pus cells and WBCs, with the only notable observation being 15-20 epithelial cells. Can anyone help me understand what these results mean?
Answers (1)
9/11/2025, 5:20:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your lab results reflect some important details that can help gauge your health. Let's break these down step by step.
Key Points:
- You have an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count and eosinophils, which may indicate some form of stress or inflammation in your body.
- Your urine test showed no signs of infection, which is encouraging, especially since you have a history of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- The pain in your lower left rib might be unrelated to the blood and urine findings since there were no infection indicators.
Explanation:
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White Blood Cell Count: A normal WBC count typically ranges from about 4,000 to 10,000 cells per microliter. Your elevated count (11,670) suggests that your body may be responding to a stressor, possibly inflammation or an allergic reaction, which can sometimes cause eosinophil levels (part of the WBC count) to rise. Eosinophils are often associated with allergic reactions or certain infections.
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Urinalysis Results: The absence of pus cells and WBCs in your urine is a good sign, meaning there is likely no active infection in your urinary system. The presence of 15-20 epithelial cells can be normal and usually doesn’t signify any concern unless they are present in very high numbers or associated with other symptoms.
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Lower Rib Pain: The pain you experienced later could be due to several factors, such as muscle strain, digestive issues, or even stress. Since it was subsequent to your lab tests, it may not be directly related but may still warrant attention if it persists.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep note of any further symptoms related to your pain – consider factors like severity, duration, and any additional symptoms that develop.
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids to help your body process any potential underlying issues.
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Follow-Up on Blood Results: Since your WBC count is elevated, it might be helpful to discuss these results with your healthcare provider for insights into potentially underlying conditions or the need for further tests, especially if symptoms persist.
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Consider Stress Management: Since elevated eosinophils can suggest an underlying allergic condition or stress, incorporating stress-reduction techniques like yoga or mindfulness may be beneficial.
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Record Any Changes: Keep a log of your pain and any other symptoms you might notice over the next few days or weeks to help in discussing your condition with a healthcare professional later.
Feel free to ask if you have more specific questions or concerns as you monitor your situation!
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