Testing for Blood

Hematuria

The term hematuria is used to describe the presence of intact red cells in the urine. The urine may be cloudy/red or pink in color and red cells are visible upon microscopic examination. If the red cells have been destroyed, hemoglobin will be excreted in the urine. The term, hemoglobinuria, is used to describe this condition. The color of the urine will be pink or red but clear rather than cloudy. The presence of only five red blood cells per microliter of urine is considered to be clinically significant. For this reason, a chemical test is needed to detect quantities of blood too small to change the color of the urine. Microscopic examination is used to differentiate between hematuria and hemoglobinuria if the reagent test strip is positive for blood.

Earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.® credits for your AMT, ASCP, or NCA recertification requirements.

Chemical Screening of Urine by Reagent Strip course details »

Learn more about medical technologist continuing education for MTs, MLTs, and other lab personnel »

Get information on laboratory compliance training for clinical and medical laboratories »