Why do I need a blood in urine test?

Your health care provider may order a urinalysis as part of a routine exam. You may also need this test if you have seen blood in your urine or have other symptoms that could be caused by a problem with your kidneys or urinary tract. These symptoms include:
Painful Urination
Frequent Urination
Back Pain
Abdominal (belly) Pain

What happens during a blood in urine test?

You will need to give a urine sample for the test. A health care professional may give you a cleansing wipe, a small container, and instructions for how to use the "clean catch" method to collect your urine sample. It's important to follow these instructions so that germs from your skin don't get into the sample:
Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them.
Open the container without touching the inside.
Urinate into the toilet for a few seconds and then stop the flow. Start urinating again, this time into the container. Don't let the container touch your body.
Collect at least an ounce or two of urine into the container. The container should have markings to show how much urine is needed.
Finish urinating into the toilet.
Put the cap on the container and return it as instructed.
Clean your genital area with the cleansing wipe: For a penis, wipe the entire head (end) of the penis. If you have a foreskin, pull it back first. For a vagina, separate the labia (the folds of skin around the vagina) and wipe the inner sides from front to back.

If you have hemorrhoids that bleed or are having your menstrual period, tell your provider before your test. Outside blood could get into your urine sample and affect your test results.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

You don't need any special preparations before getting a test for blood in your urine. If your provider has ordered other urine or blood tests, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test. Your provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow.

Is there anything else I need to know about a blood in urine test?

A blood in urine test is usually part of a routine urinalysis. A urinalysis also measures other substances in the urine, including proteins, acid and sugar levels, cell fragments, and crystals.