Hemoglobinuria test
Show Alternative Names
Urine - hemoglobin
Hemoglobinuria test is a urine test that checks for hemoglobin in the urine.
How the Test is Performed
A clean-catch (midstream) urine sample is needed. The clean-catch method is used to prevent germs from the penis or vagina from getting into a urine sample. To collect your urine, you may get a special clean-catch kit from your health care provider that contains a cleansing solution and sterile wipes. Follow instructions exactly so that the results are accurate.
Clean-catch (midstream) urine sample
A clean catch is a method of collecting a urine sample to be tested. The clean-catch urine method is used to prevent germs from the penis or vagina ...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleHow to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is necessary for this test. If the collection is being taken from an infant, a couple of extra collection bags may be necessary.
How the Test will Feel
The test involves only normal urination. There is no discomfort.
Why the Test is Performed
Hemoglobin is a molecule contained within red blood cells. Hemoglobin helps move oxygen through the body.
Red blood cells have an average life span of 120 days. After this time, they are broken down into parts that can make a new red blood cell. This breakdown takes place in the spleen, bone marrow, and liver. If the red blood cells break down in the blood vessels, their parts move freely in the bloodstream.
If the level of hemoglobin in the blood rises too high, then hemoglobin begins to appear in the urine. This is called hemoglobinuria.
This test may be used to help diagnose causes of hemoglobinuria.
Normal Results
Normally, hemoglobin does not appear in the urine.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Hemoglobinuria may be a result of any of the following:
- Burns
- Crushing injury
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a disorder that occurs when an infection in the digestive system produces toxic substances
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)
Shiga-like toxin producing E coli hemolytic-uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS) is a disorder that most often occurs when an infection in the digestive system...
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- Kidney inflammation or injury including glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis
Acute nephritic syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur with some disorders that cause swelling and inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidney, o...
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Kidney tumor
Renal cell carcinoma is a type of kidney cancer that starts in the lining of very small tubes (tubules) in the kidney.
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Malaria
Malaria is a parasitic disease that involves high fevers, shaking chills, flu-like symptoms, and anemia.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, disease in which red blood cells break down earlier than normal
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is a rare disease in which red blood cells break down earlier than normal.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, disease in which the body's immune system produces antibodies that destroy red blood cells
Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria
Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (PCH) is a rare blood disorder in which the body's immune system produces antibodies that destroy red blood cells. It...
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Sickle cell anemia
Sickle cell disease is a disorder passed down through families. The red blood cells that are normally shaped like a disk take on a sickle or crescen...
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Thalassemia
Thalassemia is a blood disorder passed down through families (inherited) in which the body makes an abnormal form or inadequate amount of hemoglobin....
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- Transfusion reaction
- Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that involves the lungs. It may spread to other organs.
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Review Date:
8/20/2023
Reviewed By
Jacob Berman, MD, MPH, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
References
Gharavi AG, Landry DW. Approach to the patient with renal disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 100.
Riley RS, McPherson RA. Basic examination of urine. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 29.
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