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Bloodurql

Published: July 31, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A urine test that detects the presence of red blood cells, helping doctors identify conditions affecting the urinary tract or kidneys.

Quick summary

{"Detects hidden blood in urine that may not be visible to the eye","Can help diagnose infections, kidney stones, or kidney disease","A positive result requires further testing to determine the cause","The test is simple, safe, and uses a routine urine sample","Results help doctors monitor urinary tract health"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
105906-2
Short code
BLOOD UR
Synonyms
Blood Ur Ql
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile, leak-proof urine container (clean catch or catheter specimen)
Units
not specified
Ref low
0
Ref high
0
Critical range
— – 50 not specified
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
Dipstick chem strip analysis with microscopic confirmation
CPT
81000
SNOMED
396704006
Specimen volume
10-50 mL preferred; minimum 5 mL sufficient for analysis
Stability
Room temperature: test within 2 hours of collection. Refrigerated (2-8°C): stable for up to 24 hours. Do not freeze. Protect from prolonged light exposure.
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
1–4 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The Blood in Urine test (also called hematuria test or urine occult blood test) detects the presence of red blood cells in your urine. Blood in urine may be visible to the eye (making urine appear pink, red, or brown) or only detectable under a microscope. This test uses a chemical method to identify even small amounts of blood that cannot be seen without special equipment.

How is the test performed?

You will be asked to provide a clean-catch urine sample. For a clean-catch sample, you will clean your genital area before urinating, then collect the middle portion of your urine stream in a sterile container. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. No fasting or special preparation is typically required, though your doctor may ask you to avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours before the test, as exercise can temporarily cause blood in urine.

What do the results mean?

A negative result means no blood was detected in your urine, which is considered normal. A positive result indicates that blood was found in your urine, but it does not diagnose a specific condition. Further testing is usually needed to determine the cause. The amount of blood detected (trace, small, moderate, or large) provides additional information for your healthcare provider.

Are there any risks?

There are no significant risks associated with this test. It is a simple urine test with no side effects. Some people may experience mild discomfort when providing a urine sample, but this is temporary.

Reference range

Negativenot specified

Specimen: urine

No fasting required; clean-catch midstream urine preferred. Avoid high-dose vitamin C for 48 hours; females avoid collection during menses if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Is blood in urine always a sign of something serious?
No, blood in urine does not always indicate a serious condition. Sometimes it is caused by minor issues like a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or strenuous exercise. However, it should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine the cause, as it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition.
Do I need to fast before this test?
No fasting is typically required for a urine blood test. However, your doctor may ask you to avoid certain foods (like beets or rhubarb) or intense exercise for 24-48 hours before the test, as these can temporarily affect results. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions.
What happens if my test result is positive?
A positive result means blood was found in your urine. Your healthcare provider will review the results and may order additional tests to determine the cause. These may include a urine culture to check for infection, blood tests, imaging studies (like ultrasound or CT scan), or a cystoscopy (a procedure to look inside the bladder).
Can I do this test at home?
Home urine test strips can detect blood in urine, but they are less accurate than laboratory testing. If you use a home test and get a positive result, you should follow up with your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and confirmatory testing.
Why do I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test as part of a routine checkup, if you have symptoms like pain during urination, frequent urination, or flank pain, or if they suspect you have a urinary tract infection, kidney disease, or other condition affecting your urinary system. It is also used to monitor certain ongoing conditions or treatments.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - Hematuria (Blood in Urine)Source
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic - Blood in urine (hematuria)Source
  3. 3
    National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)Source
  4. 4
    American Family Physician - Evaluation of HematuriaSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy