What would a urinalysis typically show in the presence of a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

In the context of a urinary tract infection (UTI), a urinalysis typically reveals an elevated white blood cell count, often exceeding 10 white blood cells (WBC) per high power field. This increase is indicative of an inflammatory response to the infection, as the body sends white blood cells to fight off the bacteria causing the UTI.

The presence of white blood cells in the urine, also referred to as pyuria, is a common finding in patients with UTIs. This laboratory finding, alongside the presence of bacteria, can help establish the diagnosis of a urinary tract infection.

The other options listed, such as protein traces, glucose, and ketone bodies, may appear in a urinalysis but are not specific indicators of a UTI. For instance, protein traces may indicate kidney disease or other conditions unrelated to infection, glucose levels often suggest diabetes mellitus, and ketone bodies can be found in conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis. Therefore, the presence of WBCs is the most relevant marker in the diagnosis of a UTI.