Hemoglobinuria test

Definition

Hemoglobinuria test is a urine test that checks for hemoglobin in the urine.

Alternative Names

Urine - hemoglobin

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.

How 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
Kidney infection
Kidney inflammation or injury including glomerulonephritis
Kidney tumor
Malaria
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, disease in which red blood cells break down earlier than normal
Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, disease in which the body's immune system produces antibodies that destroy red blood cells
Sickle cell anemia
Thalassemia, disease in which the body makes an abnormal form or inadequate amount of hemoglobin
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
Transfusion reaction
Tuberculosis

Gallery

Urine sample — A clean-catch urine sample is performed by collecting the sample of urine in midstream. Men or boys should wipe clean the head of the penis. Women or girls need to wash the area between the lips of the vagina with soapy water and rinse well. A small amount of urine should initially fall into the toilet bowl before it is collected (this clears the urethra of contaminants). Then, in a clean container, catch about 1 to 2 ounces of urine and remove the container from the urine stream. The container is then given to the health care provider.

References

Landry DW, Bazari H. Approach to the patient with renal disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 106.

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.

Last reviewed July 19, 2021 by David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

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