Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. Urinalysis findings are interpreted with symptoms, collection conditions, medical history and related tests.

Which reference range should I use?

Use the performing laboratory's own reference interval and reporting method first.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Clearly abnormal, persistent, symptomatic or unexpected findings should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Information about a laboratory test

Blood in Urine (Dipstick): What Does This Test Mean?

The Blood in Urine (Dipstick) test assesses a dipstick signal for blood or heme pigment in urine.

Test summary

Test name: Blood in Urine (Dipstick)
Abbreviations: Urine Blood, Heme
Category: Urinalysis / Dipstick
Panel: Urinalysis
Specimen: Urine
Common units: negative, trace, positive

What does the test measure?

The Blood in Urine (Dipstick) test assesses a dipstick signal for blood or heme pigment in urine.

Why is the test ordered?

It is used to screen for blood in urine and interpret it with microscopic red blood cells.

Information about a low result

A negative urine blood dipstick is generally expected.

Information about a high result

A positive blood dipstick can reflect red blood cells, hemoglobin or myoglobin and should be compared with microscopic RBC findings.

Reference and clinical context

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, method, collection conditions and reporting unit. Urinalysis findings do not establish a diagnosis on their own.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, method, collection conditions and reporting unit. Urinalysis findings do not establish a diagnosis on their own. Interpretation may be more informative when related urine parameters are considered together.

Related specialties

Urology
Nephrology
Internal Medicine
Family Medicine

Frequently asked questions

More information about this test

Positive Blood in Urine (Dipstick): What Does It Mean?

Sources

Urinalysis — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2025 · Urinalysis components, routine use and qualitative normal findings · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
RBC urine test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2025 · Urine RBC microscopy and example normal threshold · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Blood in Urine — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2024 · Blood/hematuria testing in urinalysis · Verified: Aug 12, 2026