Blood

Overview

The "Blood" parameter in a urine analysis detects red blood cells (RBCs), free hemoglobin, or myoglobin in the urine. The test measures either a reagent-strip (dipstick) reaction for peroxidase activity (detecting hemoglobin/myoglobin) and/or microscopic RBC count on spun urine. Presence of blood can indicate urinary tract infection, kidney stones, glomerular disease, trauma, tumors of the urinary tract, hemolysis, or rhabdomyolysis. Symptoms prompting a test include visible red/brown urine, flank pain, painful urination, unexplained fatigue, or swelling. Results vary by age and sex: transient mild hematuria is more common after vigorous exercise and in young people; persistent hematuria in older adults raises concern for malignancy. Menstruation or vaginal contamination can cause false positives in women.

Test Preparation

• Overnight fasting (8-12 hrs) is required
• Do not eat or drink anything except water before the test
• The urine sample must preferably be the first morning midstream urine (part of urine that comes after the first and before the last stream)
• Collect the urine sample in a sealed and sterile screw-capped container provided by our sample collection professional
• Ensure that the urethral area (from where the urine is passed) is clean & container doesn't come in contact with your skin
• You should submit all the required samples for this package at once during the scheduled sample collection
• Avoid iron supplements for at least 24 hours prior to sample collection
• Do not stop taking your thyroid medications on the day of the test unless otherwise advised by the doctor

Why Do I Need This Test

• Profile: Urine analysis (urinalysis) - Symptoms: visible blood in urine, dysuria, flank/abdominal pain, unexplained anemia, or abnormal findings on routine screening - Diagnoses/monitoring: urinary tract infection, kidney stones, glomerulonephritis, urinary tract malignancy, hemolysis, rhabdomyolysis - Reasons for abnormal: infection, stones, trauma, tumors, glomerular disease, hemolysis, strenuous exercise, menstrual contamination, certain drugs - Biological meaning: RBCs indicate bleeding somewhere in the urinary system; hemoglobin/myoglobin without RBCs suggests intravascular hemolysis or muscle breakdown - Lifestyle/family: intense exercise, anticoagulant use, and family history of hereditary kidney disease (e.g., polycystic kidney disease, Alport) increase testing need

Understanding Test Results

• A dipstick or microscopy result greater than 2–3 RBCs/HPF is considered microscopic hematuria and warrants repeat testing and evaluation.
• Persistent microscopic hematuria (≥3 RBC/HPF on repeat specimens) suggests pathology such as glomerular disease, stones, or tumor and needs further workup.
• Gross (visible) hematuria indicates a large bleed—often dozens to hundreds of RBCs/HPF—and requires prompt evaluation for stones, infections, trauma, or malignancy.
• A positive dipstick with few or no RBCs on microscopy suggests hemoglobinuria or myoglobinuria (intravascular hemolysis or rhabdomyolysis).
• Trace or transient increases may occur after vigorous exercise or with menstrual contamination and often resolve; repeat testing after avoiding exertion or contamination is advised.
• Persistent or unexplained positive results merit imaging, urine culture, and possibly cystoscopy or nephrology referral.

FAQs