Urine Blood (Occult) (U-BLD)

What is Urine Blood (Occult)?

The occult blood test detects hidden blood in urine that’s not visible to the naked eye. This test identifies red blood cells or hemoglobin that may indicate bleeding somewhere in the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the bladder.

Why is it Tested?

Doctors order this test to investigate urinary tract problems, screen for kidney disease, or evaluate symptoms like pain during urination. It’s also used to monitor known conditions affecting the urinary system and can sometimes detect early signs of more serious problems.

Normal Ranges

Results are typically reported as:

Negative: No detectable blood (normal result)
Trace/1+: Minimal blood present
2+ to 4+: Increasing amounts of blood detected

A negative result is considered normal. Any positive result warrants further evaluation.

Reference ranges vary by authority. Track yours across multiple standards with automatic unit conversions in LabsVault.

What do Abnormal Results Mean?

Abnormal results are not a diagnosis. Always discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.

Positive Results (Any Level)

Blood in urine can indicate various conditions:

Urinary tract infections
Kidney stones
Bladder or kidney infections
Kidney disease or inflammation
Urinary tract injury or irritation

Persistent Positive Results

Consistently positive results may suggest:

Chronic kidney disease
Bladder or kidney tumors
Inherited kidney disorders
Autoimmune conditions affecting kidneys

How to Track Over Time

Monitoring occult blood results helps distinguish between temporary issues and ongoing problems. Isolated positive results might indicate minor infections, while persistent positives warrant comprehensive urological evaluation to rule out serious underlying conditions.