The presence of hemoglobin in the urine, scientifically called hemoglobinuria, occurs when red blood cells, which are elements of the blood, are destroyed and one of its constituents, hemoglobin, is eliminated by urine, giving it a reddish and transparent color.
However, the presence of hemoglobin in the urine does not always cause symptoms and is only detected by a chemical examination with a reactive band or microscopic examination, and the urologist should treat it as soon as possible.
- Hemoglobin in the urine can occur in children.
- Adults.
- And even during pregnancy.
- Due to kidney infections.
- Kidney stones.
- Or serious kidney disease.
- Such as pyelonephritis or cancer.
- For example.
- Sometimes.
- At the same time that hemoglobinuria occurs hematuria.
- Which is urine with blood and it is necessary to go to the doctor to analyze the cause.
- Learn about bloody urine.
During a normal urine test, hemoglobin should not be found in your urine. However, hemoglobin can occur as a result of certain situations, such as:
In addition, the presence of hemoglobin in the urine may be due to an excess of nocturnal or cold paroxysmal hemoglobinuria, which is a rare type of hemolytic anemia in which there is an alteration of the membrane of red blood cells, resulting in its destruction and the presence of red blood cell components. in the urine. Learn more about paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.
Hemoglobin in the urine is positive when, after chemical testing with a test strip, signs, traces or crosses appear in the strip, and negative when there are no changes.
In general, the more strokes or crosses in the strip, the greater the amount of blood in the urine. However, it is still necessary to read the instructions on the test strip package, as the analysis of the results depends on the test strip laboratory.
In addition to the test strip, a microscopic sediment examination that detects the amount of blood present may also be performed. In this case, it is considered normal to have less than 3 to 5 red blood cells per field or less than 10,000 cells per ml. Here’s how to understand the urine test.
Hemoglobinuria does not always cause symptoms, however, there may be changes in urine, such as red and clear urine. In severe cases, due to the loss of a large amount of hemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients, it can cause easy fatigue, fatigue, paleness and even anemia.
Treatment of hemoglobin in urine depends on the cause and should be guided by a urologist. During treatment, medications such as antibiotics or medicines for anemia or the application of a bladder catheter may be necessary.