When RBC in urine is said to be high?

The presence of red blood cells (RBCs) in urine, also known as hematuria, is considered high when the number of RBCs exceeds a certain threshold. The threshold may vary depending on the laboratory performing the analysis, but generally, a urine sample is considered to have high RBC count when it contains:

- More than 3 red blood cells per high-power field (HPF) in a centrifuged urine sample

- More than 10 red blood cells per microliter (µL) of uncentrifuged urine

It's important to note that the presence of even a few RBCs in urine can be abnormal and should be investigated by a healthcare professional, as it may indicate an underlying medical condition. However, a higher RBC count is generally considered more significant and may require further evaluation and diagnostic tests to determine the cause.

Hematuria can be classified as microscopic or macroscopic. Microscopic hematuria refers to the presence of RBCs in urine that can only be detected through a microscopic examination of the urine sample. In contrast, macroscopic hematuria refers to visible blood in the urine, which may give the urine a reddish or brownish color.

The presence of high RBC count in urine can be a sign of various conditions, including:

- Urinary tract infection (UTI)

- Kidney disease, such as glomerulonephritis or pyelonephritis

- Kidney stones

- Bladder stones

- Prostate problems, such as prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

- Certain medications, such as anticoagulants or aspirin

- Cancer of the urinary tract, including kidney cancer, bladder cancer, or prostate cancer

If you notice any changes in the color or appearance of your urine, or if you experience any urinary symptoms such as pain, burning, or frequent urination, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate management.