Clinical Significance

This version of the course is no longer available.
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Chemical Screening of Urine by Reagent Strip (retired March 2012). Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about Chemical Screening of Urine by Reagent Strip (retired March 2012) (online CE course)
Clinical Significance

No blood is found in the urine of healthy individuals although samples from menstruating females, frequently, but not always, test positive for blood. Hematuria is associated with renal or genital urinary disorders in which the bleeding is the result of irritation to the involved organs or trauma. Examples include renal calculi, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, tumors, trauma or exposure to toxic chemicals or drugs and/or strenuous exercise. Hemoglobinuria may be due to the lysis of red cells within the urinary tract. If it is caused by intravascular hemolysis, the hemoglobin is then filtered through the glomeruli. In the normal individual, the hemoglobin molecule attaches to haptoglobin and in this way bypasses the kidney filtration system. When the hemoglobin/haptoglobin system is overwhelmed, as in cases of hemolytic anemia, severe burns, transfusion reaction, infection or strenuous exercise, hemoglobin passes into the urine.