What it is: A urine red blood cell (RBC) check, part of microscopic urinalysis, looks for red blood cells in urine sediment under a microscope, confirming true hematuria (blood in urine).
Why it's ordered: Ordered when a dipstick screen is positive for blood, or to evaluate symptoms like visible blood in urine, flank pain, or suspected kidney or bladder disease.
What it detects: If the dipstick is positive for blood but no RBCs are seen under the microscope, it may indicate myoglobin or hemoglobin in the urine rather than intact red cells (from muscle breakdown or a blood disorder) instead of true urinary bleeding.
Collection & prep: A urine sample collected in a clean container, centrifuged to concentrate the sediment before microscopic examination. No special preparation is required.
Results:
Elevated (typically >3 RBCs/high-power field) – confirms hematuria; can reflect infection, kidney stones, trauma, or, less commonly, cancer
Normal – few or no red blood cells seen
Possible complications of persistent hematuria: Ongoing or unexplained blood in the urine warrants further evaluation — such as imaging or cystoscopy — since causes range from benign (minor infection) to serious (kidney or bladder disease).
Statements made in the Clinical Manual have not been evaluated by the FDA. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
