Urine Test Results During Menstruation: What You Need to Know

Urinalysis issues

Recently, the school conducted a health check-up at Tainan Guo General Hospital, which included a urine test.
However, I was on my menstrual period at that time.
They insisted on performing the test anyway.
The method used was to dip a test strip in the urine and then show it to a nurse (not sure if that's the correct title).
I mentioned that I was on my period, and the nurse looked at the results and wrote "6.0 OB" on the health check form, then drew three straight lines with a horizontal line in the middle, followed by "MC" (which I assume refers to menstruation).
I would like to ask what this means and whether the results would be accurate given that I was menstruating.
Since most of the posts are from males, I wonder if I might have gone to the wrong department...

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/08/29

Dr. Fu Shizhang reply Urology

Aside from the presence of occult blood, all other tests during menstruation are accurate.
If you are concerned, it is advisable to wait until your menstrual period is over and then retest.

Reply Date: 2015/08/29

More Info

When it comes to urine tests during menstruation, there are several important factors to consider. First, let's clarify what the results you received mean, especially in the context of your menstrual cycle.

1. Understanding the Test Results: The notation "6.0 OB" likely refers to the presence of occult blood in your urine, which can be a standard part of a urinalysis. The "OB" stands for "occult blood," indicating that there was some blood detected in the urine sample. The presence of blood can be due to various reasons, including menstruation, urinary tract infections, or other medical conditions. The three lines with a horizontal line in the middle could represent a test strip result, but without specific context, it’s hard to interpret precisely. The "MC" likely refers to "menstrual cycle," confirming that you were indeed menstruating during the test.

2. Impact of Menstruation on Urine Tests: It is generally acceptable to perform urine tests during menstruation, but the results can be influenced by the presence of menstrual blood. This can lead to false positives for certain tests, particularly those looking for blood or protein. Therefore, while the test can still provide valuable information, it may not be as accurate as when performed outside of your menstrual period.

3. Accuracy of Results: The accuracy of urine tests during menstruation can be affected by the volume and timing of the sample collected. If you are actively menstruating, the blood from your menstrual flow can contaminate the urine sample, leading to potentially misleading results. If the test was meant to check for specific conditions (like a urinary tract infection or pregnancy), it might be advisable to repeat the test after your menstrual period has concluded for clearer results.

4. Next Steps: If you have concerns about the results or if you are experiencing symptoms such as pain, unusual discharge, or changes in your menstrual cycle, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider. They can provide a more thorough evaluation, possibly including a repeat urine test or additional diagnostic tests, to ensure that any underlying issues are addressed.

5. Menstrual Cycle Considerations: Your menstrual cycle can affect various health assessments, including urine tests. If you are tracking your menstrual cycle for health reasons, it’s essential to note the timing of your period in relation to any tests or evaluations. This information can help healthcare providers interpret results more accurately.

In summary, while urine tests can be conducted during menstruation, the presence of menstrual blood can affect the accuracy of certain results. If you have any doubts or if the results are concerning, it’s best to follow up with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.

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