What does it mean to have a high number of red blood cells in the urine?
Aug 24, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tan Bo
Introduction
Elevated urinary red blood cells indicate a positive urine occult blood test, meaning red blood cells are present in the urine. The presence of red blood cells suggests an underlying disorder of the urinary system—for example, cystitis or urethritis; inflammation of the kidneys or ureters leading to bleeding; or bleeding caused by tumors. In such cases, blood enters the urine, resulting in an elevated red blood cell count detected on urinalysis.
Red blood cells (RBCs) in urine constitute a critically important parameter in routine urinalysis. An elevated urinary RBC count indicates a positive result for occult blood, meaning red blood cells are present in the urine. This elevation often signals underlying disorders of the urinary system, such as cystitis or urethritis, or inflammatory conditions affecting the kidneys or ureters that lead to bleeding.
Elevated urinary RBCs may also result from bleeding caused by tumors. When blood enters the urine, urinalysis detects an increased RBC count. If the bleeding stems from inflammation, anti-inflammatory treatment is indicated. In cases of tumors or renal disease, prompt and active therapeutic intervention is essential.
