Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count Rate (24-Hour Urine)
This test measures how many red blood cells appear in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps identify if you’re losing red blood cells through your urine, which may indicate conditions like hematuria or kidney issues.
["Assesses urinary red blood cell loss over a full day to check for hidden bleeding or kidney problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 68912-5
- Short code
- RBC 24h UrnS Micro-nRate
- Synonyms
- RBC 24h UrnS Micro-nRate
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- microscopy-light
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like blood in urine (hematuria), frequent urination, or signs of kidney problems. It can also be part of evaluating unexplained anemia or monitoring conditions like glomerulonephritis or urinary tract infections.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. Collect all urine for 24 hours in a container provided by your lab. Drink enough fluids to produce about 60–80 ounces of urine total, but avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, as they may affect results.
How the Test Is Done
You’ll provide a 24-hour urine sample, typically collected by marking the time urine is passed and storing it in a container. The lab will analyze the sample for red blood cells under a microscope.
Possible Results and Interpretation
Higher-than-normal rates may suggest bleeding in the urinary tract, kidney disease, or other conditions causing red blood cell loss. Lower-than-normal rates might indicate dehydration or other factors reducing urine output. Results are compared to your doctor’s clinical judgment and other tests.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated RBC rates in urine can signal conditions like urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or bleeding disorders. Repeated or unexplained findings warrant further evaluation, such as imaging or additional blood tests, to pinpoint the cause. This test is particularly useful for detecting microscopic hematuria (blood in urine without visible signs).
Short name
RBC Urine Rate
Frequently asked questions
What does a high RBC urine rate mean?
How is this test different from a routine urine test?
Can I drink alcohol or caffeine before this test?
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