Which type of white blood cell is predominantly found in urine?

Neutrophils are the type of white blood cells that are predominantly found in urine, especially during instances of infection or inflammation in the urinary tract. These cells are a crucial part of the body's immune response, acting quickly to sites of infection. Their presence in urine often indicates a pathological condition, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), pyelonephritis, or other inflammatory processes involving the renal or urinary systems.

In normal circumstances, very few white blood cells are present in urine; however, the presence of neutrophils in larger numbers is a clear indicator of a response to an infectious agent or irritation. This differentiates neutrophils from other white blood cells like eosinophils, lymphocytes, and basophils, which are less commonly associated with urinary findings in general clinical practice. Understanding the role and significance of neutrophils helps in diagnosing and managing urinary tract conditions effectively.