Blood in Urine (Hematuria) Test

It may be possible that you experience no symptoms except for blood in the urine. However, if there is an underlying condition that is leading to the haematuria, some additional symptoms may occur. The following symptoms prompt a doctor to order a urine test:

• Pain while urinating
• Abdominal pain and discomfort
• Interrupted flow while urinating
• Fever
• Presence of an infection
• Severe pain due to kidney stones
• Swelling of the feet, ankles or legs
• Frequent urge to urinate

No prior preparations are needed before this test. However, your doctor is likely to ask you questions related to your health and family history (especially a history of kidney disease) in order to determine the probable cause for haematuria. Inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines, such as supplements, prescription drugs or herbal medicines.

A urine sample for blood in urine test may be collected at a clinic or at home. You will be provided with a container to collect the sample. In the case of 24-hour urine collection, more than one container would be given.

Collection of the 24-hour sample should begin in the morning. The first urine of the day is not collected. After this, every urine must be collected for the next 24 hours.

Store the urine container in a cool environment or just keep it in a refrigerator. Don’t forget to label the container appropriately with your name, the date and time of collection of the sample. 

After the sample has been collected, it should be taken to the laboratory for analysis as soon as possible. 

If the test is being performed on an infant, then the area around the urethral opening must be washed thoroughly and the urine collection bag must be placed appropriately on the infant to collect the sample without any spillage. The collected sample should be delivered to the laboratory for analysis as soon as the collection is completed.

Normal results:

Depending upon the symptoms and initial test results, your doctor will decide if your haematuria is a cause for worry or not.

As per the American Urological Association, normally, 0-3 red blood cells may be detected per high powered field in the urine.

Abnormal results:

If the results are found to be abnormal, then your doctor will perform other tests in order to evaluate the functioning of your kidneys and bladder. More than 3 red blood cells in the urine per high powered field indicate haematuria. 

Haematuria could be attributed to:

• Kidney infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Strenuous physical exercise
• Exposure to toxins
• Physical injury to the bladder
• Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra)
• Kidney stones or bladder stones

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.