Red Blood Cell Urine Number (RBC Urine Count)
This test measures the number of red blood cells present in your urine, which can help identify if you’re experiencing blood in your urine (hematuria).
["Checking for red blood cells in urine helps detect bleeding issues or kidney problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 105108-5
- Short code
- RBC # UrnS
- Synonyms
- RBC # UrnS
- 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
- 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 Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like blood in your urine, pain during urination, frequent urination, or if you’re at higher risk for urinary tract infections or kidney disease. They might also use it to monitor conditions like kidney stones, bladder cancer, or other urinary issues.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to collect a urine sample in a clean container, often at home or in a lab. If done in a lab, you’ll provide a sample during a routine visit.
How the Test Works
A technician will examine your urine sample under a microscope to count the red blood cells. This is a simple but important way to determine if blood is present and assess its cause.
Possible Results and Next Steps
If red blood cells are found, your provider may recommend further testing, such as imaging scans, additional urine tests, or a cystoscopy to investigate the source of bleeding. High or abnormal counts can signal conditions like infections, stones, or tumors.
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.
High numbers of red blood cells in urine can indicate urinary tract infections, kidney disease, bladder or kidney stones, or even more serious conditions like cancer. Low or normal counts usually mean no significant blood is present, but persistent symptoms should still be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Short name
RBC Urine Count
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive test mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet affect 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