Blood
Understanding Blood
What is Blood?
The Blood test is used to measure the amount of blood in the urine sample. This test is commonly performed as part of a urine routine examination to identify conditions like hematuria (blood in the urine), urinary tract infections (UTIs) or kidney disorders.
Hematuria, a condition characterized by the presence of red blood cells (RBCs) in the urine, can cause the urine to appear pink, red, or even dark brown. It can be visible (gross hematuria) or detectable only through microscopic examination (microscopic hematuria).
The presence of blood in urine can be a symptom of multiple underlying conditions. It can indicate urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, trauma, vigorous exercise, or more serious conditions like kidney disease or bladder cancer. By detecting blood in the urine, doctors can identify and diagnose such conditions early, allowing for timely treatment and management.
Your doctor may suggest a urine examination when there are symptoms such as visible blood in the urine (gross hematuria), pain during urination, frequent urination, or unexplained flank pain. Also, it can be done when there are risk factors such as history of kidney stones or urinary infections.
A negative result indicates no detectable blood in the urine, suggesting no immediate concern. A positive result, however, requires further investigation to determine the underlying cause. The presence of microscopic hematuria, where blood is not visible to the naked eye but detected under a microscope, may necessitate additional tests to examine the urinary tract.
Drink enough water to provide a urine sample. A mid-stream urine sample should be collected into a sterile container provided by the sample collection professional. Women are advised not to give the sample during their menstrual period unless prescribed, as it can interfere with certain test results. Inform your doctor about all the medications or supplements that you may be taking as these may affect the test results , potentially requiring adjustments or temporary discontinuation before the test.
Don't self-medicate at home solely based on these results and always consult a doctor for proper understanding of the test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help the doctor correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The results will help them determine your medical condition and formulate your treatment plan.
What is Blood used for?
The Blood test is done:
- To detect the presence of blood in the urine as part of a comprehensive urinalysis.
- To diagnose conditions such as hematuria.urinary tract infections, or kidney stones.
- To identify underlying conditions contributing to blood in the urine, such as kidney diseases or bladder cancer.
- To monitor treatment response in diagnosed cases of urinary conditions involving hematuria.
What does Blood measure?
The Blood test measures the presence of blood in the urine sample, indicating potential issues within the urinary system or kidneys. This test is crucial for diagnosing conditions such as hematuria, urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, kidney disease, or even certain cancers that can cause bleeding in the urinary tract.
Depending on whether the blood is visible to the naked eye (macroscopic hematuria) or only detectable under a microscope (microscopic hematuria), doctors can assess the severity and potential causes of the bleeding. By analyzing the presence of blood in the urine sample, doctors can determine the appropriate course of treatment and management, ensuring timely intervention to address underlying health concerns affecting urinary tract and kidney function.
Other tests
