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Urine for Occult Blood

Also referred as

Occult Blood (Urine)

Urine occult blood

Urine hemoccult test

For men & women

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18 hours

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The Urine for Occult Blood is a simple, noninvasive test used to detect the presence of hidden (occult) blood in the urine sample. The presence of occult blood in urine can be indicative of infections, kidney stones or other kidney diseases, bladder cancer, etc.

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Understanding Urine for Occult Blood

Occult blood in urine refers to the presence of small amounts of blood in the urine that can not be seen with the naked eye. Normally there is no blood present in the urine and, when there is even a trace amount, it might signify a problem with kidney health. This blood is generally not visible unless it is in much larger quantities, in which case it will result in visible hematuria (blood in the urine). The Urine for Occult Blood test is performed to detect the presence of these traces of blood in the urine sample.

The Urine for Occult Blood test is often recommended in cases where the individual presents with symptoms that include pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or unexplained lower back pain. It may also be performed as part of routine testing, in particular for individuals at high risk of urinary tract diseases such as up with a family history of kidney or bladder cancer, older adults, or individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension.

The Urine for Occult Blood test helps detect early signs of kidney or bladder problems, allowing for timely intervention. If blood is found in the urine, additional tests might be done, including ultrasound, CT scan, and cystoscopy. It is a very critical test among those who may be asymptomatic yet are presumed to develop kidney disease or cancer; helping to identify potential problems before they worsen.

Drink enough water to provide a urine sample. A mid-stream urine sample should be collected into a sterile container provided by the sample collection professional. Several factors can influence the results of the Urine for Occult Blood test. For instance, vigorous physical activity, menstrual blood, or sexual activity may lead to false positives. It is essential to inform the doctor about any recent exercise, medical conditions, or medications that could affect the test results.

Don't self-medicate at home solely based on these results. Always consult a doctor for a proper understanding of the test results. Narrate the complete medical history to help the doctor correlate the clinical and laboratory findings. The results will help them determine the medical condition and formulate a treatment plan.

What does Urine for Occult Blood measure?

The Urine for Occult Blood test determines the presence of blood in the urine in very small quantities that are not visible to the naked eye. The test looks for blood even in trace amounts, which usually indicates certain medical conditions. It helps in finding hidden blood that may signal conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, bladder infections, injuries, or even more serious issues such as kidney disease and bladder cancer.

A positive result means that bleeding occurs within the urinary system. However, a positive Urine for Occult Blood test does not specify what is the source or cause of the bleeding. Further evaluation, usually involving imaging or cystoscopy, is needed to determine the eventual cause of the occult blood.

The Urine for Occult Blood test helps in the early identification of the underlying problem causing bleeding, potentially preventing the complications and improving the treatment outcome.

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FAQs related to Urine for Occult Blood

What is the Urine for Occult Blood test?

The Urine for Occult Blood is a pathology test used to detect the occult or hidden blood (not visible to the naked eye) in the urine sample. Blood in urine can be a suggestive marker of many conditions including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or even bladder or kidney cancer.

Why do I need the Urine for Occult Blood test?

Your doctor may recommend the Urine for Occult Blood test based on the presence of symptoms such as pain while urinating, going to urinate frequently, lower back pain, or changes in urine color, etc. It can also be recommended to individuals who are at higher risk of urinary tract conditions due to factors like a family history of kidney disease or cancer.

Why is it advised to collect midstream urine for the Urine for Occult Blood test?

A midstream urine sample is preferred during sample collection because it reduces the possibility of contamination from bacteria and cells present in the urethra or around the genital area. By collecting midstream urine, you ensure that the sample reflects the contents of the bladder, leading to more reliable results.

Do I need to prepare for the Urine for Occult Blood test?

Normally, no special preparations are needed for the test. It's advisable to refrain from strenuous activities or exercise before getting the test to avoid temporary blood in the urine (exercise-induced hematuria). If you are having your menstrual cycle, inform your doctor, as menstrual blood may lead to a misleading analysis.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result implies that blood is detected in the urine sample. This could mean the individual might have a urinary tract infection, or kidney stones, or it could be very serious, like bladder or kidney cancer. Additional testing will be needed to determine the exact cause.

Can I get a false positive result on the test?

Yes, there may be quite a few reasons that lead to a false positive result. These reasons include recent exercising, menstrual blood, or contamination of the urine sample. You should let your doctor know about recent activities or medications as they may affect the results.

Can this test detect kidney or bladder cancer?

The Urine for Occult Blood test can provide information about bleeding in the urinary tract that may have been caused by bladder or kidney cancer. However, it isn't a cancer-specific test and certainly cannot diagnose cancer. In the case of blood found, further investigation, such as imaging or a cystoscopy, needs to be performed in order to find the cause.

How does Tata 1mg ensure accurate lab test results?

Tata 1mg ensures accurate lab test results through certified laboratories that use advanced technology and adhere to stringent quality control measures. This commitment to high standards guarantees reliable results.

Content created by

Dr. Swati Gupta (Anand)

MBBS, MD Lab Medicine

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Last Updated

28th Oct 2025