Does a urine occult blood 3+ require a kidney biopsy?
Sep 20, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Guang
Introduction
In general, a urine occult blood result of 3+ requires a kidney biopsy. A urine occult blood level of 3+ indicates a significant number of red blood cells in the urine during urinalysis, which usually suggests bleeding within the urinary system. This condition may be caused by various factors, such as urinary tract stones, urinary tract tumors, glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, or other kidney diseases.
Generally, a urine occult blood result of 3+ may require a kidney biopsy.
A urine occult blood level of 3+ indicates a significant number of red blood cells in the urine during routine urinalysis, which usually suggests bleeding within the urinary system. This condition can be caused by various factors, such as urinary stones, urinary tract tumors, glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, or other kidney diseases. If a patient consistently shows urine occult blood at 3+ and the doctor is unable to determine the underlying cause after other examinations—such as routine urinalysis, renal function tests, and bilateral kidney ultrasound—a kidney biopsy may become a necessary diagnostic procedure. A kidney biopsy provides more accurate diagnostic information, helping physicians understand the pathological changes in kidney tissue and thereby formulate a more appropriate treatment plan. For older patients or those with poor overall health, doctors will be more cautious when deciding whether to proceed with a kidney biopsy, as it is an invasive procedure that may impose certain physical burdens and risks on the patient.
In daily life, avoid consuming foods that are difficult to digest and prone to forming hard stools, such as dried vegetables and dried mushrooms, to prevent constipation after the biopsy. Constipation can increase abdominal pressure and raise the risk of kidney bleeding.
