RBC in Urine Test - Meaning, Normal Range, Purpose, Results

Measuring RBCs in urine is often done by urinalysis. For this, the patient must provide his/her urine sample. It is recommended to get a clean catch sample to ensure that the urine sample is free from contaminants. 

To get a clean catch sample, the patients are asked to thoroughly clean their genital area, allow a small amount of urine to flow into the toilet, and then collect it in the sample cup. Next, the sample is sent for dedicated laboratory testing to measure the number of RBCs in the urine sample. 

More often than not, doctors also leverage a dipstick to get a first-level understanding of the presence of RBC in urine.  A dipstick is a piece of paper containing a chemical that changes colour as soon as it senses RBC. While this isn’t an accurate measuring technique, the method helps streamline the next course of action. 

Generally, a healthy person should have no RBCs in urine. However, having the test results up to four RBCs per high power field (4 RBC/HPF) is considered normal. Any result above this RBC in urine range can cause worry and calls for a consultation with the doctor. 

It is essential to note that menstruating women will likely have some RBCs in the urine test. This is a normal scenario, and one must inform the doctor to diagnose the results. 

Having high RBC in urine can be due to acute or chronic diseases. While sometimes it may be a symptom of irritation in the urinary tract, there can be cases where it indicates a serious medical condition. Below are some of the most common causes of witnessing high RBC count in urine:

Acute Causes

These are the causes that arise from a temporary health condition that affects the body only for a short period of time. The symptoms for these causes get better as the treatment progresses. 

1. Sexual Activity: Frequent sexual intercourse can cause irritation to the tissues and cause discomfort around the urinary tract. This can lead to some amount of RBCs in urine. 
2. Infections: Any infection in one’s bladder, kidneys or urinary tract can be a common cause of inflammation of tissues. This is a highlighted cause of getting RBC in urine and often becomes a reason for experiencing irritation around the area. 
3. Kidney Stones: In some cases, the minerals and salts in one’s urine can become hard deposits on crystallisation and cause irritation in the area. This can also cause extreme pain when the stone passes through the urinary tract. A higher count of RBC is witnessed in such cases. While some people have microscopic amounts of RBCs in urine during a kidney or bladder stone, others can spot blood while urinating. 
4. Strenuous Activities: Exercising vigorously or carrying out high-intensity activities can also inflame the tissues and raise the RBC count in urine. The duration of exercising also influences the number of RBCs spotted in urine. People who work out for longer hours without being properly hydrated are likely to have ​​high RBC in urine. 
5. Rhabdomyolysis: Patients suffering from rhabdomyolysis often witness reddish-brown urine. With the protein myoglobin being dumped into the blood, some RBCs also flow into the urine, departing the colour. 

Chronic Causes

Certain long-term diseases or medical conditions can also increase RBC counts during urine tests. The following are the most crucial chronic causes of having RBC in urine:

1. Polycystic Kidney Disease: Patients suffering from polycystic kidney disease get cysts that grow in their kidneys. This cause also enlarges the kidneys and loses their primary function of purifying blood. 
2. Sickle Cell Disease: This inherited disorder impacts the shape of RBCs. Patients suffering from this condition often struggle with their blood flow getting clogged. It causes extreme pain and leads to other severe health complications. 
3. Kidney Cancer: Both kidney and bladder cancer result in some amount of RBCs in urine. Some patients can spot visible blood in urine, while others find traces of microscopic RBCs during laboratory tests. 
4. Viral Hepatitis: Inflammation in the liver can be a leading cause of viral infections. These are one of the reasons for causing RBC in urine.

Certain medications, including aspirin, specific antibiotics and blood thinners, can also result in RBCs in urine. These are often temporary, but it is best to visit the doctor if it causes any irritation. 

When RBCs are found in urine, the next steps depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. The doctor may suggest additional tests, such as a urine culture or imaging studies, to identify the cause of having RBC in urine.

1. If the cause of the hematuria is an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. 
2. In cases where kidney stones are the underlying cause, pain relief medication and drinking plenty of fluids to pass the stones naturally may be recommended.
3. If the hematuria is due to a more serious condition, such as kidney disease or bladder cancer, further testing and treatment may be necessary. Treatment may involve medication, surgery, or other interventions, depending on the underlying condition.

It's important to follow the doctor's recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor the condition and ensure it's properly treated. Early detection and treatment can improve the chances of a positive outcome.

Patients must be mindful of certain crucial considerations before undergoing RBC in urine test. This will ensure accurate results and is likely to help doctors determine the next course of treatment. Below are some of the most highlighted things to keep in mind before the test:

1. It is essential to follow any preparation instructions provided by the healthcare provider. These instructions may include avoiding certain foods or medications before the test to prevent false results.
2. Patients must always provide a clean catch urine sample. This involves cleaning the genital area before collecting the urine sample midstream. This helps to ensure the sample is free from any external contaminants that could affect the test results.
3. Always disclose any medications or supplements that the patient is taking to the healthcare provider. Some medications and supplements can affect the test results, and the doctor may recommend stopping them temporarily before the test.

Seeing blood in urine is an alarming concern, but people can also have RBCs in urine and not see any visible change. It is essential to understand the exact cause of hematuria and know how to get tested for it. You must also remember the important considerations before undergoing the RBC in urine test to ensure accurate results. 

Having a thorough consultation with the doctor and proceeding with a dedicated urine test can help rule out specific medical conditions. We at HexaHealth have been helping patients get top-notch healthcare assistance. With our seasoned experts, our teams deliver the best consultation and offer trusted medical intervention. Get in touch with us today to know more!

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