Final answer:
The presence of large numbers of red blood cells in urinary sediment typically indicates bleeding in the urinary tract, while white blood cells suggest a urinary tract infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Large numbers of red blood cells in the sediment generally indicate there is bleeding somewhere in the urinary tract. The presence of white blood cells or leukocytes in the urine can also suggest a urinary tract infection. White blood cells are part of the body's immune response and their presence in urine, a condition known as pyuria, can indicate an inflammatory process. Urinary tract infections can present with cloudy urine, which is often due to the accumulation of white blood cells. In cases where both red and white blood cells are found, it may be associated with conditions such as nephritis, trauma, tuberculosis of the kidney, or kidney stones. A microscopic study of urine can reveal the presence of these cells, indicating potential underlying health issues.