In a urinalysis for a urinary tract infection (UTI), which two components are often found?

In a urinalysis for a urinary tract infection (UTI), the presence of white blood cells (WBCs) and nitrates is a strong indicator of infection.

WBCs are part of the body's immune response and indicate inflammation or infection in the urinary tract. Their presence suggests that the body is trying to fight off an invading pathogen, which is typical in UTIs. Nitrates are another critical component; certain bacteria that commonly cause UTIs, such as Escherichia coli, can convert nitrates (normally found in the urine) into nitrites. Thus, the detection of nitrites in the urine is a specific sign of a bacterial infection, often linking directly to the presence of a UTI.

The other components mentioned would not typically indicate a UTI in the same direct way as WBCs and nitrates do. While red blood cells and protein can indicate various kidney or urinary conditions, they do not specifically point to a urinary tract infection. Similarly, uric acid crystals and bacteria could signal different issues, and glucose and ketones are more associated with metabolic conditions like diabetes rather than urinary infections. Therefore, the combination of WBCs and nitrates is the most indicative of a urinary tract infection.