Red blood cells (RBCs) in the urine signal bleeding within the urinary system. This can range from benign causes, such as exercise or minor irritation, to more significant issues like kidney stones, infections, or, less commonly, tumors. Even when not visible to the eye, microscopic blood in the urine warrants attention, particularly if persistent, and should be interpreted alongside clinical context and repeat testing if needed.
Lab metric
Urine RBC
Red Blood Cells (Urine) is a laboratory metric that measures the presence of red blood cells in a urine sample, indicating whether blood is leaking into the urinary tract. Higher levels suggest bleeding anywhere along the urinary system, which can arise from benign causes such as vigorous exercise or minor irritation, as well as more significant conditions like kidney stones, urinary‑tract infections, or, less commonly, tumors; lower or absent levels are typical in healthy individuals. Common drivers of elevated results include recent strenuous activity, dehydration, certain medications, and underlying renal or urinary pathology. This metric is not sex‑specific and should be interpreted alongside clinical context and repeat testing when persistent.


