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Blood in Urine
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Lab Tests

Blood in Urine

A urinalysis is a common diagnostic test used to detect the presence of blood in urine, a condition known as hematuria, which may indicate underlying health issues.

Overview

Having blood in your urine is called hematuria. The blood may make your urine or the water in the toilet bowl turn pink, red, or reddish brown. However, you might not always be able to see the blood without a lab test. There are two main types of hematuria:

  • Gross hematuria is when you can see blood in your urine without having a test.
  • Microscopic hematuria is when you can't see small amounts of blood in your urine, but it can be seen under a microscope or is found using a urinalysis.

Having blood in your urine usually isn't serious. Some medicines and certain foods, such as beets or rhubarb, might also cause your urine to turn red. In some cases, however, red or white blood cells in your urine may mean that you have a medical condition that needs treatment, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney disease, or liver disease.

How Do You Test for Blood in Urine?

A urinalysis test checks a sample of your urine. It can find a small amount of blood cells in your urine, as well as other types of cells, chemicals, and substances. Other names for this test include microscopic urine analysis, microscopic examination of urine, urine test, urine analysis, UA, and urine microscopy.

What is it used for?

A urinalysis is used to check your general health, including the health of your urinary tract, kidneys, and liver. The test can also be used to check for other health problems besides blood in urine.

Why do I need a blood in urine test?

Your health care provider may order a urinalysis as part of a routine exam. You may also need this test if you have seen blood in your urine or have other symptoms that could be caused by a problem with your kidneys or urinary tract, including:

  • Painful urination
  • Frequent urination
  • Back pain
  • Abdominal (belly) pain

What happens during a blood in urine test?

You will need to give a urine sample for the test. A health care professional may give you a cleansing wipe, a small container, and instructions for how to use the "clean catch" method to collect your urine sample. It's important to follow these instructions so that germs from your skin don't get into the sample.

Frequently Asked Questions

You should seek emergency care if you are passing large clots of blood, if you cannot urinate at all, or if the hematuria is accompanied by severe pain in your side or back, high fever, or signs of shock such as dizziness and fainting. If you have visible blood but are otherwise stable, without pain or fever, it is typically appropriate to contact your primary care provider or urologist for a prompt appointment within a few days to rule out infections or other conditions.
standard urinalysis is often performed in the office and results may be available immediately or within a few hours. If the test shows microscopic hematuria, your provider will likely repeat the test to confirm the finding, as a single positive result can sometimes be due to recent exercise, menstruation, or a minor infection. If confirmed, further diagnostic steps such as a CT scan, cystoscopy, or additional blood tests may be ordered to identify the source of the bleeding, such as kidney stones, bladder issues, or other underlying conditions.
Yes, both can interfere with results. Strenuous exercise can cause temporary microscopic hematuria due to mechanical trauma to the bladder or kidneys, so it is best to avoid intense physical activity for 24 to 48 hours before the test. For women, menstruation can contaminate the urine sample with vaginal blood, leading to a false positive. It is recommended to wait until at least three days after your period ends to provide a clean, midstream urine sample for accurate testing.
Yes, certain foods like beets, blackberries, and rhubarb can turn urine red or pink, mimicking gross hematuria. Some medications, including rifampin, phenazopyridine, and certain laxatives, can also change urine color. However, these substances do not actually contain blood cells. A urinalysis can distinguish between true hematuria (presence of red blood cells) and color changes caused by diet or drugs, so it is important to inform your healthcare provider about your recent diet and medication list before testing.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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