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Red blood cells in urine (hematuria)
Red blood cells in urinary sediment. Their presence is called hematuria and requires finding the source.
Other names: BLD, RBC, Erythrocytes, hematuriaSection: UrinalysisSpecialist: Primary care physician, urologist, nephrologistSample: UrinePart of: Urinalysis
Updated: September 17, 2026·MedProtect editorial team Reference information — not a diagnosis or a prescription
In shortThe normal count of red blood cells in urine is 0–2 per field of view (up to 3 in women). A rise is called hematuria. Common causes are stones and urinary infections; in adults over 40, painless hematuria requires ruling out a urinary tract tumor.
What this marker is
Healthy kidneys do not let red blood cells into urine: the cells are too large for the filter. Their appearance means there is a source of bleeding somewhere from kidney to urethra — microscopic (microhematuria) or visible to the eye (gross hematuria, pink or red urine).
True hematuria must be distinguished from menstrual blood contaminating the sample — in women this is the most common cause of a “false” result. By the shape of the cells the lab suggests the source: dysmorphic cells point to the kidneys, uniform ones to the urinary tract.
Reference ranges
Group
Reference range
Women
0–3 per field of view
Men
0–2 per field of view
Children
0–2 per field of view (single cells acceptable)
Microhematuria
more than 2–3 per field, urine looks normal
Gross hematuria
blood visible in urine — always a reason to see a doctor
Women skip urine testing during menstruation and 2–3 days around it — menstrual blood causes false hematuria. Hard exercise the day before can briefly raise red cells. Ranges differ between laboratories.
Check your value
Enter the number from your lab report — see how it compares with the typical range. Mind the units shown in the chosen row.
An approximate comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Ranges differ between laboratories — use the one on your report; a doctor interprets the result.
When it is high or appears: possible causes
Kidney stonesA stone injures the lining — red cells with flank pain and leukocytes.
Cystitis and urethritisLining inflammation — red cells with leukocytes, bacteria and burning.
GlomerulonephritisFilter damage: dysmorphic red cells plus protein in urine and edema.
Injury or catheterMechanical damage of the urinary tract.
Urinary tract tumorsPainless hematuria over 40 requires a urological workup.
Menstrual contaminationThe most common harmless cause in women — a collection error.
What can skew the result
These factors can shift the result without any disease — keep them in mind before a retest:
Menstruation and 2–3 days around itHard exercise the day beforePelvic injuryAnticoagulants (increase bleeding)
How to prepare
A midstream sample of the first morning urine after cleaning the genital area, in a clean container, delivered to the lab within 1–2 hours. Details: Preparation: urine.
When a retest makes sense
A doubtful result is retested in 1–2 weeks with careful preparation. During treatment of a urinary tract infection, a follow-up is done 1–2 weeks after the course, as prescribed by the doctor.
Who usually reviews this result
An out-of-range result is usually reviewed by: Primary care physician, urologist, nephrologist. Bring your report and any previous results to the visit.
Names used on lab reports
Look for one of these names on your report: Red blood cells in urineBLDRBCErythrocytesHematuriaBlood in urine
Several markers on your report?
The app reads your whole report — this marker together with its neighbors, not one by one.
That is mild microhematuria. If the sample was not collected around menstruation and was taken correctly, the test is repeated and a cause is sought — usually stones or infection. See a primary care physician or urologist with the result.
Is red urine always blood?
No: beets, rhubarb and some drugs (e.g. senna, rifampicin) color urine. But visible blood should never be dismissed — it is always checked with a test and a doctor.
A child has red cells in urine — what next?
First, retest with proper collection. If confirmed, the pediatrician orders an ultrasound of kidneys and bladder and refers to a nephrologist or urologist.
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