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

Red Blood Cells in Urine: What Does This Test Mean?

The Red Blood Cells in Urine test assesses red blood cells seen in urine.

Test summary

Test name: Red Blood Cells in Urine
Abbreviations: Urine RBC, Erythrocytes
Category: Urinalysis / Microscopy
Panel: Urinalysis
Specimen: Urine
Common units: RBC/HPF, cells/µL

What does the test measure?

The Red Blood Cells in Urine test assesses red blood cells seen in urine.

Why is the test ordered?

It is used to assess hematuria and provide context for kidney or urinary tract conditions.

Information about a low result

Few or no red blood cells are generally expected.

Information about a high result

Increased urine RBCs indicate hematuria and can have many causes, including infection, stones, kidney/urinary tract disorders or contamination.

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 range 1

<= 4 RBC/HPF

Population: Microscopic urine examination
Specimen: Urine
Method: Microscopy

Sourced reference context for Red Blood Cells in Urine

This is sourced example reference/clinical-context information; the user's own laboratory report and specimen conditions take priority.

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

High Red Blood Cells in Urine: 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