Urinalysis: Blood (Hemoglobin), Qualitative
A qualitative urinalysis checks for blood or a related pigment called heme in the urine. It is commonly included in routine or symptom-based urine testing.
Blood detected in urine can have many causes, but persistent visible blood should be evaluated by a clinician.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 70564-0
- Short code
- IHAVEHADBLOODINMYURINEINTHEPAST7D
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- facit
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test looks for blood or heme pigment in your urine. It is usually part of a urinalysis and may be performed using a urine dipstick.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered during a routine checkup or to investigate red or pink urine, painful urination, frequent urination, fever, or other urinary symptoms. Blood in the urine can occur with infection, kidney stones, inflammation, injury, or other conditions.
How is the test performed?
You provide a urine sample, and a dipstick checks for blood. If the result is positive, the laboratory may examine the urine under a microscope to determine whether red blood cells are present.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's instructions, including whether a first-morning or clean-catch sample is preferred. Tell the clinician if you are menstruating, recently exercised intensely, took a blood-thinning medicine, or had urinary tract surgery.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive result can reflect intact red blood cells, free hemoglobin, or myoglobin, so it does not identify the cause by itself. Urinary tract infection, kidney stones, kidney or bladder disease, inflammation, and trauma are possible causes. Blood that is visible or persists should be discussed with a clinician, who may recommend repeat testing, urine microscopy, culture, or other evaluation.
Short name
Urinalysis blood (qualitative)
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive blood result always mean there is a serious problem?
Can a dipstick be positive when there are no red blood cells?
What should I do if I have had blood in my urine for several days?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy