What does a semi-quantitative weak positive result for occult blood in urine mean?

May 16, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Xinju
Introduction
A weakly positive semi-quantitative result for occult blood in urine indicates a slightly positive test for urinary occult blood. This suggests the patient may have mild hematuria. Occult blood in urine is a qualitative indicator in routine urinalysis that signals the possible presence of hematuria; a positive result implies potential hematuria, and a weakly positive result indicates mild hematuria. However, diagnosing hematuria should not rely solely on the occult blood test, but primarily on the number of red blood cells observed in urinary sediment.

Weakly positive semi-quantitative occult blood in urine refers to a weakly positive result for urinary occult blood, indicating that the patient may have mild hematuria. The detailed explanation is as follows:

A weakly positive urinary occult blood test means that red blood cells are present in the urine during urinalysis, but the number is small and cannot be detected by naked eye or under a microscope. Urinary occult blood is a qualitative indicator in routine urinalysis suggesting the presence of hematuria; a positive result indicates possible hematuria, while a weakly positive result suggests mild hematuria. However, diagnosing hematuria does not rely solely on the occult blood test. The primary determinant is the number of red blood cells observed in urinary sediment. If the occult blood test is positive but microscopic examination of urinary sediment shows no red blood cells, true hematuria is not present. This may be due to physiological factors such as intense physical exercise, menstruation, or high fever, and typically resolves spontaneously.

If both urinary occult blood and microscopic examination of urinary sediment show positive red blood cells, it could indicate underlying conditions such as glomerulonephritis, urinary tract infection, bladder stones, or other diseases. It is recommended that patients seek medical evaluation at a hospital, where further diagnostic tests can be performed based on their clinical condition, leading to an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment under a physician's guidance.