Occult Blood in Urinalysis: What it Reveals About Your Health

Occult blood in urinalysis means you can’t see the blood with the naked eye and can only be seen under a microscope.

It is a medical disorder challenging to diagnose without expert testing and advanced diagnostic tools. Even though the presence of occult blood in urine does not always signal a serious underlying health problem, it is critical to understand the possible causes and seek medical attention to discover the cause.

This article explains what occult blood means for your health, its causes, and how to handle it efficiently. We will also review the diagnostic techniques doctors use to detect occult blood in urine and the treatment choices available.

Understanding Occult Blood in Urinalysis:

The word "occult" means "hidden" in medicine. So, Occult blood in Urinalysis indicates that the blood in the urine is only detected under a microscope.

If blood is detected in your urine, you have a health problem. Only in cases of menstruation in women does urine usually include red blood cells. Otherwise, Occult blood in urine is unusual, but a skilled healthcare expert should conduct a urinalysis to discover the underlying reason.

Common Causes of Occult Blood in Urine:

Blood in the urine can originate from the urinary system, including:

• Bladder
• Kidney
• Genitals
• Urinary tract
• Prostate

Most persons have no cause to undergo microscopic hematuria testing, especially if the occult blood is painless. However, it is easier to identify when blood is evident in the urine.

1. Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can cause occult blood in the urine. Blockage occurs due to large kidney stones resulting in microscopic hemorrhage.

2. Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary Tract Infections can cause occult blood in urine. It can cause frequent and painful urination. The infection can be in your Bladder, kidney, Or other urinary tract areas. 

3. Enlarged Prostate

Another cause of urine occult blood in men is an enlarged prostate. When the prostate enlarges, especially in adult and older men, it can: 

• Compress the urethra
• Partially obstructing urine flow and causing hematuria
• Constant urge to urinate
• Trouble urinating

4. Cancer

Several cancers can cause occult blood in urine, including:

• Kidney cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Bladder cancer

Other Causes

Other common reasons for occult blood in the urine include renal disease, kidney damage, recent surgeries, and genetic conditions such as sickle cell anemia or hemophilia.

Diagnostic Tests for Occult Blood:

Diagnostic tests for occult blood include:

Urine Tests (Dipstick Test, Microscopic Analysis)

To diagnose occult blood, doctors collect and test urine samples to identify the etiology of hematuria. The two ways of urinalysis are:

• Dipstick test - is commonly used to conduct a urinalysis test to evaluate urine contents. 
• Microscopic analysis - is also used to examine urine.

Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy helps to:

• Inspect the bladder lining. 
• Look for diseases. 

In cystoscopy, doctors put a tiny camera through the urethra into the bladder. Doctors use gel to numb the area that is affected for pain reduction. If there are any abnormalities, a biopsy is done. This helps to analyze the tissue under a microscope for cancer cells.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

The doctor uses a CT scan to find out the origin of occult blood in urine. This method creates a picture of your body by using radiations and shows:

• The structure of your bladder, ureters, and kidney
• Kidney or bladder stones
• Abnormalities in the ureters, kidneys, and bladder.  

Urine Cytology

Urine Cytology determines the origin of cells in urine from the kidney or bladder walls. 

In this method, the doctor will:

• Take urine sample 
• Examine it under a microscope 
• Check for any abnormality if present.

Interpreting Results: What Does Occult Blood Indicate?

Doctors prescribe many lab tests, such as urinalysis, which involves examining a urine sample under a microscope. This test tells doctors how many red blood cells are in the urine. 

This information helps the doctor to understand whether the number is significant or not:

• Significant microscopic hematuria: 3 or more red blood cells (RBC)/hpf (≥ 3 RBC/HPF)
• Insignificant microscopic hematuria: 2 or fewer RBC/hpf (0-2 RBC/HPF)

If the result shows significant microscopic hematuria, your doctor may recommend other tests to identify health conditions causing occult blood in the urine. 

Treatment and Management:

The reason for blood in the urine determines the appropriate treatment. Treatment might include:

1. Urinary Tract Infections: The most important way to treat infections of the urinary tract is by using Antibiotics that will kill bacteria responsible for infections.
2. Kidney stones: Doctors remove stones in the kidney by providing medicines or doing surgery. Surgery is only suggested if large stones are present.
3. Enlarged prostate: Doctors recommend medication or surgery if blood in urine is due to an enlarged prostate.
4. Oncological treatment for cancer: Many treatment options are available if cancer is causing blood in urine. It includes.

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation 

Preventive Measures and When to Seek Medical Help:

While not always dangerous. if you feel symptoms or observe blood in your urine, you should follow these steps:

• Seek medical assistance right once 
• Understand the probable reasons and diagnostic tests 
• Schedule an appointment with your urologist.

Conclusion:

Occult blood in urine is only visible under a microscope. Blood in the urine is a sign of inflammation or infection. If your occult blood in urine test comes positive, you may require additional testing.

Then, you determine further actions by examining the amount of blood in the urine and any other symptoms you may be experiencing.

FAQs on Occult Blood in Urinalysis:

What does occult blood in a urinalysis mean?

Occult blood, known as hematuria, cannot be seen without a microscope.

What is the most common cause of Occult blood?

Urinary Tract Infections are the most common cause of blood in the urine.

What does a positive occult blood test signify?

A positive occult blood test reveals specific dangerous reasons for blood in the urine, including:

• Cancer
• Infection
• Enlarged prostate (men only)
• Kidney or bladder stones
• Certain disorders (such as sickle cell anemia and cystic kidney disease). 

What are the normal and abnormal ranges for occult blood?

The normal range for normal occult blood in urine is two or fewer RBC/hpf (0-2 RBC/hpf), and the abnormal range is three or more red blood cells (RBC)/hpf (≥ 3 RBC/hpf).

Can Occult blood in urine be effectively treated?

Yes, Occult blood in urine can be effectively treated by treatment and different medications.

Should I be concerned about a positive occult blood test?

Yes, you should be worried if you receive a positive occult blood urine test. You should immediately consult a doctor.

Can infections cause occult blood in urine?

Yes, urinary tract infections can cause occult blood in the urine.

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