Red Blood Cell Clumping Area Measurement (Urinalysis)
This test measures the presence and extent of abnormal clumping in red blood cells found in your urine. Clumping can sometimes indicate underlying health conditions.
["Clumping in urine red blood cells may signal infection, inflammation, or other issues—your provider will discuss results with you."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 49505-1
- Short code
- RBC clumps #/area UrnS Auto
- Synonyms
- RBC clumps #/area UrnS Auto
- 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
- automated-count
- 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 healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions like urinary tract infections, kidney problems, or blood disorders. It helps identify whether red blood cells in your urine are clumping abnormally, which can be a sign of bleeding or inflammation.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a urine sample, typically collected in a clean container. If you’re using a catheter or have a urinary catheter, your provider may guide you on proper collection.
What the Results Mean
Clumping in red blood cells can appear due to natural processes, medications, or conditions like kidney stones, infections, or hematuria (blood in urine). Your provider will review the pattern and severity alongside other symptoms or test results to determine next steps.
Common Causes of Clumping
Possible causes include urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder inflammation, or certain medications. Rarely, it may relate to blood disorders or clotting issues. Always discuss symptoms with your provider.
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.
Clumping in red blood cells on urinalysis can signal conditions like urinary tract infections, kidney disease, or bleeding disorders. Early detection helps guide treatment, such as antibiotics or lifestyle changes. Persistent clumping may require further testing or imaging.
Short name
Red Blood Cell Clumping in Urine
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive clumping result mean?
Will I need to avoid certain foods or drinks before this test?
Can clumping in urine red blood cells be treated at home?
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