What it is: A urine occult blood test checks for blood, whether visible or microscopic, in a urine sample using a dipstick that reacts to hemoglobin.
Why it's ordered: Ordered as part of routine urinalysis or to evaluate symptoms like flank pain, suspected kidney stones, urinary tract infection, or unexplained urinary symptoms.
What it detects: A positive dipstick can reflect actual red blood cells in the urine (from infection, kidney stones, trauma, or, rarely, cancer) or free hemoglobin/myoglobin without intact cells, which microscopic exam helps distinguish.
Collection & prep: A urine sample collected in a clean container, tested with a dipstick. No special preparation is required, though menstruation can cause a false-positive result.
Results:
Positive – warrants microscopic confirmation of red blood cells and further evaluation for the source
Negative – no significant blood detected
Possible complications of persistent blood in urine: Unexplained or recurring positive results are typically followed up with imaging or further urine testing, since causes range from minor infection to more serious kidney or bladder conditions.
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.
