What does the presence of WBCs in urine typically indicate?

The presence of white blood cells (WBCs) in urine is primarily indicative of a urinary tract infection (UTI). When an infection is present, the immune system responds by sending WBCs to the affected area in order to combat pathogens. Consequently, a higher number of WBCs can be detected in the urine as they are excreted along with it. This increase is a clear sign that the body is responding to an infection within the urinary system.

In contrast, kidney stones might lead to discomfort and other symptoms, but they do not typically cause an increased number of WBCs unless there is a concurrent infection. High protein levels in urine are often associated with conditions affecting kidney function rather than the presence of WBCs, and normal renal function would not show WBCs in the urine, as it indicates there are no underlying infections or inflammatory processes at work. Therefore, the association between WBCs and urinary tract infections is well established, making it the accurate answer to this question.