Urine Blood Test Results: What Does +/- Mean?

Health check-up

After my health check-up, the urine occult blood result shows +/-.
What does this mean? What should I do next?

Wahaha, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/11/07

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Wow, during your health check-up, your urine test showed a trace of hematuria (OB: +/-), which indicates that there may be a slight presence of blood in the urine, but it is quite minimal.
It is recommended to repeat the test without any physical activity.
If hematuria is still present, further evaluations may be necessary, such as ultrasound, urine cytology, cystoscopy, or intravenous pyelography.

Sincerely,
Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai
Department of Urology
Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2005/11/07

More Info

When you receive a urine test result that indicates "blood" with a "+/-" sign, it typically means that there is a trace amount of blood detected in your urine, but it is not definitively positive. This result can be somewhat ambiguous and warrants further investigation to determine the underlying cause.

Understanding the Result
1. What Does "+/-" Mean?
- The "+/-" notation suggests that the test was borderline. It indicates that the test may have detected a small amount of blood, but it is not enough to be classified as a positive result. This can happen for various reasons, including dietary factors, physical activity, or even contamination during the sample collection.

2. Potential Causes of Blood in Urine:
- Infection: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause blood to appear in the urine.

- Kidney Stones: These can cause bleeding as they pass through the urinary tract.

- Trauma: Any injury to the kidneys or urinary tract can lead to blood in the urine.

- Menstruation: If the test was conducted around the time of menstruation, menstrual blood can contaminate the urine sample.

- Other Medical Conditions: Conditions such as glomerulonephritis, tumors, or other kidney diseases can also lead to hematuria (blood in urine).

Next Steps
1. Consult Your Healthcare Provider:
- It is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider to discuss the results. They may recommend further testing to determine the cause of the blood in your urine. This could include a repeat urine test, a urine culture to check for infection, or imaging studies like an ultrasound or CT scan to look for stones or other abnormalities.

2. Monitor Symptoms:
- Pay attention to any additional symptoms you may experience, such as pain during urination, back pain, fever, or changes in urination frequency. These symptoms can provide important clues to your healthcare provider.

3. Avoid Certain Foods and Medications:
- Some foods (like beets, berries, or certain medications) can cause urine to appear reddish or pink, which may be mistaken for blood. If you have consumed any of these recently, inform your healthcare provider.

4. Hydration:
- Ensure you are well-hydrated, as concentrated urine can sometimes lead to false positives in tests for blood.

5. Follow-Up Testing:
- If your healthcare provider recommends it, be prepared for follow-up tests. This may include a more comprehensive urinalysis, blood tests, or imaging studies to rule out any serious conditions.

Conclusion
In summary, a "+/-" result for blood in urine indicates a need for further evaluation. While it may not be a cause for immediate alarm, it is essential to take it seriously and consult with your healthcare provider. They can help determine if further testing is necessary and guide you on the appropriate next steps based on your overall health and any accompanying symptoms. Remember, early detection and intervention are key to managing any potential health issues effectively.

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