Urine Blood Test: Importance, Implications of Results, and When It’s Recommended

Urine Blood Test measures the number of red blood cells in a urine sample. If you notice blood in your urine, your doctor may recommend a urine and blood test to identify the underlying cause.

In this article, we will discuss the importance of the blood  urinalysis, when the doctor may ask you to do it, how to prepare for the test, and what the implications of the results may be.

Importance of Urine Blood Test

Urine Blood Test is a simple test that can help detect the cause of blood in urine, to indicate a case called hematuria, which is a condition where blood is present in the urine. It can occur due to various reasons, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder cancer, and prostate problems.

Identifying the underlying cause of the blood in urine can help your doctor develop an effective treatment plan.

When the Doctor May Ask You to Do a Urine Blood Test?

Your doctor may recommend blood and urine tests if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Red Blood cells in the urine
• Cloudy urine
• Pain or discomfort while urinating
• Frequent urination
• Urgent urination
• Lower back pain
• Abdominal pain
• Fever

If you have any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor will recommend a blood in urine test to diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Other names:

• Hematuria test
• Urine occult blood tests
• Urine dipstick test
• Urine sediment examination

How to Prepare for the Test?

The blood in urine testing is a straightforward test that does not require any special preparation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before taking the test:

• Inform your doctor if you are taking any medications or supplements.
• Drink plenty of water before the test to ensure that you can provide a urine (Pee).
• If you are menstruating, you should avoid taking the test during your menstrual period.

Related: Understanding the Serum Amylase Test: What You Need to Know“

Implications of the Results

The results of a Urine Tests can have different meanings depending on the underlying cause of the blood in the urine. In general, the results of the test can be categorized as either positive or negative.

If the test result is positive, it means that blood is present in the urine. The presence of rbcs in the urine may indicate several medical conditions, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder cancer, prostate problems, and other diseases of the urinary tract.

Depending on the underlying cause, your doctor may recommend different treatment options. For example, if you have a urinary tract infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. If you have kidney stones, your doctor may recommend medications to help pass the stones or surgical intervention to remove them.

If the test result is negative, it means that blood is not present in the urine. A negative result can help rule out certain medical conditions and may indicate that the symptoms are due to other factors, such as a medication side effect, physical trauma, or a non-urinary tract related condition.

1. Urinary tract infections (UTIs): UTIs are caused by bacteria that infect the urinary system, leading to inflammation and irritation of the bladder and urethra, which can result in blood in the urine.
2. Kidney stones: Kidney stones are hard, mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain and discomfort. They can also cause bleeding in the urinary tract, leading to blood in urine.
3. Bladder or kidney cancer: Blood cells in urine can be a symptom of bladder or kidney cancer, especially in older adults or those with a history of smoking.
4. Enlarged prostate: An enlarged prostate can cause difficulty urinating and may lead to blood in urine.
5. Inherited disorders: Certain genetic disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, can cause blood in urine.
6. Medications: Certain medications, such as blood thinners, can cause blood in urine as a side effect.
7. Physical trauma: Injuries to the bladder, kidneys, or other parts of the urinary tract can cause blood in urine.
8. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Some STIs, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, can cause inflammation and irritation in the urinary tract, leading to blood in urine.

If you experience blood in urine or any related symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Related tests

There are several related tests that may be recommended in conjunction with or following a blood in urine test. These tests can help further diagnose the underlying cause of the blood in urine or evaluate the health of the urinary tract. Some related tests include:

1. Urine culture: This test involves growing urine samples in a lab to identify the specific bacteria causing a urinary tract infection.
2. Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI can help visualize the urinary tract and identify any abnormalities or blockages.
3. Cystoscopy: This test involves using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the bladder and urethra.
4. Kidney function tests: Blood tests such as creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) can help evaluate the health and function of the kidneys.
5. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: This blood test is used to screen for prostate cancer in men.
6. Renal biopsy: A renal biopsy involves taking a small sample of kidney tissue for examination under a microscope, which can help diagnose conditions such as glomerulonephritis or lupus nephritis.
7. Urinary tract endoscopy: This procedure involves inserting a small camera into the urinary tract to examine the bladder, ureters, or kidneys and diagnose conditions such as tumors or stones.
8. Coagulation tests: Coagulation tests such as prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) may be recommended if a bleeding disorder is suspected as the underlying cause of blood in urine.
9. Liver function tests: Blood tests such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) can help evaluate the health and function of the liver.
10. Urinary tract functional tests: Tests such as uroflowmetry, cystometrogram, and electromyography can help evaluate the function of the urinary tract and diagnose conditions such as urinary incontinence or bladder dysfunction.

The specific tests recommended may vary depending on the suspected cause of the blood in urine and the individual’s medical history. It is important to discuss any concerns or questions with a healthcare provider and follow their recommendations for further testing and evaluation.

While blood in urine may not always indicate a serious medical condition, the presence of red or white blood cells in urine sample may suggest an underlying problem that requires treatment. It’s important to note that the blood in urine test is a screening test and not a diagnostic test. Additional tests and evaluations may be necessary to determine the exact cause of the blood in the urine and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Therefore, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider to interpret the results of the test accurately and determine the next steps for diagnosis and treatment.