What should you know about a BLD urine test?

Blood may be visible to you or found only by the test strip or microscope. Irritation, a urinary infection, a kidney stone, recent strenuous activity, menstrual blood entering the sample, or prostate enlargement can affect the result. A laboratory may also check red blood cells, white blood cells, protein, and signs of infection. The pattern matters more than the BLD label alone. A urine test helps guide the next step; it is not a diagnosis on its own.

A urinary infection may also cause burning, frequent urination, cloudy urine, or lower abdominal discomfort. Kidney infection can add fever, chills, nausea, or pain in the side or back. Read about [Urinary Tract Infection](/conditions/urinary-tract-infection/) and [Kidney Infection](/conditions/kidney-infection/) for related symptoms.

Arrange a clinician review, especially if the result is repeated or you can see blood. Give a clean-catch sample if asked, and tell the clinician about menstruation, exercise, pain, fever, medicines, and previous urinary problems. Do not start leftover antibiotics; treatment depends on the cause and a urine culture may be needed. If prostate-related symptoms are present, benign prostatic hyperplasia may be considered.

Seek urgent medical care for heavy or persistent visible blood, clots that make urination difficult, severe side or back pain, fever with urinary symptoms, vomiting, faintness, confusion, or inability to pass urine. These features can require prompt examination and treatment.

Ask whether the result was confirmed under a microscope, whether infection testing is needed, and whether the sample should be repeated. Ask which symptoms should prompt urgent review and whether any medicine or activity could have influenced the finding.