Let’s face it, finding blood in your urine can be alarming. But before you go down the WebMD rabbit hole, let’s clear up a few things.
The Urine Dipstick: A First Look
A urine dipstick test is more of a screening tool than a definitive diagnostic test. It can detect the presence of hemoglobin in your urine, but it doesn’t tell us where it’s coming from.
Microscopy: The Deep Dive
To dig deeper, we can look at the urine under a microscope. This is called a urine microscopy test. If we see actual red blood cells, it often points towards specific conditions like kidney stones or bladder infections.
False Alarms
Sometimes a urine dipstick test might show ‘trace blood’ or even give a false positive if hemoglobin or myoglobin are present without any actual red blood cells.
Trace Blood: Keep Calm
Trace amounts of blood on a urine dipstick often aren’t a major cause for concern. They could be due to something as benign as rigorous exercise or mild dehydration.
Next Steps
If you’re still concerned, we can send a urinalysis with microscopy to a local laboratory for a more detailed look. This can help rule out or identify any underlying issues that may require further medical attention.
So, while blood in your urine may feel like a red flag, it’s not always a sign of something sinister. The key is to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation and peace of mind.