Overview
A urinalysis is a test that examines a urine sample to detect blood cells and other substances.
When blood is found in the urine, it’s called hematuria. Sometimes the blood changes the color of the urine, turning it pink, red, or brown. In other cases, it’s invisible to the naked eye and can only be detected in a lab.
There are two main types of hematuria:
- Gross hematuria: Blood is visible without testing.
- Microscopic hematuria: Blood is present but can only be seen under a microscope or through lab testing.
Having blood in your urine isn’t always serious. Certain foods (like beets or rhubarb) and some medications can cause similar discoloration. However, persistent blood in the urine can indicate medical issues such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney disease, or liver problems.
Other names for this test: microscopic urine analysis, microscopic examination of urine, urine test, urine analysis, UA, urine microscopy.
Purpose of the Test
A urinalysis helps assess your general health and the condition of your urinary tract, kidneys, and liver. It can detect infections, metabolic disorders, and other underlying issues beyond blood in urine.
Why You Might Need This Test
Your healthcare provider might order a test for blood in urine as part of a routine exam or if you’re experiencing symptoms such as:
- Painful urination
- Frequent urination
- Back pain
- Abdominal (belly) pain
These symptoms may suggest a urinary tract or kidney-related problem.
What Happens During the Test
You’ll be asked to provide a urine sample using the clean-catch method to prevent contamination.
Steps:
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Open the collection container carefully without touching the inside.
- Clean your genital area with the cleansing wipe provided.
- For people with a penis: Wipe the entire head. Pull back the foreskin if you have one.
- For people with a vagina: Separate the labia and wipe the inner sides from front to back.
- Begin urinating into the toilet, then stop briefly.
- Start again and collect urine into the container—about one to two ounces.
- Finish urinating into the toilet.
- Cap the container tightly and return it as instructed.
If you have hemorrhoids that bleed or are menstruating, let your provider know before the test—external blood could affect your results.
Preparation
Usually, no special preparation is needed.
If you’re having other blood or urine tests, you might be asked to fast for several hours beforehand.
Inform your provider about all medications and supplements you take. They’ll advise you if you should stop any before the test—but never discontinue medications on your own.
Risks
There are no known risks associated with providing a urine sample for this test.
Understanding the Results
A variety of factors can cause blood to appear in urine. In many cases, the cause isn’t serious—it might result from exercise, sexual activity, certain medications, or menstruation.
However, persistent hematuria can point to more serious conditions, including:
- Urinary tract or kidney infection
- Bladder or kidney stones
- Kidney injury from trauma
- Viral infections such as hepatitis
- Bladder, kidney, or prostate cancer
- Enlarged prostate (BPH)
- Inflammation of the kidney, urethra, or bladder
- Blood disorders
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Ureter disorders (the tubes connecting kidneys to the bladder)
If blood is detected, your provider may order additional tests to find the cause and determine next steps.
Additional Information
A blood-in-urine test is typically part of a routine urinalysis, which also checks for:
- Proteins
- Acidity (pH)
- Sugar levels
- Cell fragments
- Crystals and other substances
These findings help give a fuller picture of your overall urinary and kidney health.