We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What does the Presence of Red Blood Cells in Urine Indicate?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 65,182
Share

Red blood cells in urine can be a sign of a number of issues involving the bladder and kidneys. In healthy individuals, a few red blood cells are often found in urine samples and are not a cause for concern, but large numbers, or so much blood that the urine appears discolored, are likely the sign of a problem. If red blood cells are found in the course of a urinalysis, other information from the test may provide clues about why they are there, or additional testing may be needed to get to the bottom of the problem.

The formal term for abnormal numbers of red blood cells in urine is hematuria. One potential cause is contamination of the sample, seen when menstruating women provide a urine sample and some of the menstrual blood ends up in the sample. Recent trauma to the urethra, as from a catheterization or injury, can also be a cause. In these cases, the underlying cause is known and no additional treatment needs to be taken, as the issue should resolve on its own.

If white blood cells are also present, it is a sign of inflammation or infection along the urinary tract. Red blood cells in urine can also be associated with blockages, stones, or internal injuries; someone who has been kicked or punched in the kidneys, for example, will often start to produce bloody urine as a result of damage to the kidneys. Hard exercise can sometimes be a cause as well, with people like marathon runners sometimes developing blood in the urine after a race.

Malignancies can be associated with red blood cells in urine in some cases. In these instances, there may also be traces of cancerous cells sloughed off from the growth and these will be identified by the pathologist. Certain disorders can cause bloody urine and people may also experience it in association with medications. Patients should make sure their complete medical history is available so the healthcare professional can be aware of any obvious underlying causes behind blood in the urine.

Once a medical professional determines why a patient has bloody urine, treatment can be offered. For something like an infection, this may be as simple as a course of antibiotics. After the treatment is over, another sample will be requested for analysis to make sure the issue has been completely addressed. Sometimes, bacteria and blood can be present in the urine without being visible to the naked eye, so even if the urine looks normal, it is important to do a follow-up urinalysis to avoid a situation where low levels of bacteria are left behind and start growing again, causing a recurrence of infection.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Ledgenderous — On Dec 10, 2013

The article makes a good point about the presence of red blood cells in a urine sample--you need a medical professional to diagnose it properly. Don't assume the worst, or panic, just make an appointment to see a physician soon.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-does-the-presence-of-red-blood-cells-in-urine-indicate.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.