Erythrocytes per microliter (ery/ul) measures the concentration of red blood cells in urine during a urinalysis. The presence of these cells provides important information about urinary tract health, helping professionals assess if further investigation is needed.
Understanding Red Blood Cells in Urine
Red blood cells (erythrocytes) transport oxygen throughout the body. Normally, the urinary system acts as a filter, preventing red blood cells from entering the urine.
The detection of red blood cells in urine is called hematuria. Hematuria has two main types: gross hematuria, which is visible blood, and microscopic hematuria, where red blood cells are only seen under a microscope. Both indicate a potential issue within the urinary tract.
Interpreting a 50 ery/ul Result
A very small number of red blood cells might occasionally be found in urine; typically, less than 3 to 4 red blood cells per high power field (HPF) are considered within a normal range during microscopic examination. A result of 50 ery/ul is significantly higher than this expected normal range. This level is generally considered an elevated or abnormal finding for microscopic hematuria.
This finding indicates more red blood cells in the urine than is typical, suggesting a need for further investigation. While 50 ery/ul does not automatically signify a severe underlying condition, it warrants medical attention. Healthcare providers will recommend additional tests to determine the cause.
Potential Causes
The presence of red blood cells in urine, particularly at a level of 50 ery/ul, can stem from various sources within the urinary system or even from systemic conditions. One common cause is a urinary tract infection (UTI), where bacteria multiply in the bladder or other parts of the urinary tract, leading to inflammation and bleeding. Kidney stones, which are small, hard mineral deposits, can also cause bleeding as they move through or irritate the urinary tract.
Kidney diseases, such as glomerulonephritis, involve inflammation of the tiny filtering units within the kidneys, allowing red blood cells to leak into the urine. In some instances, the bleeding may be related to more serious conditions like bladder or kidney cancer, where tumors can bleed, sometimes without other noticeable symptoms. For men, prostate issues, including an enlarged prostate or an infection, can also contribute to the presence of red blood cells in urine.
Strenuous physical activity, such as long-distance running, can temporarily lead to red blood cells in the urine, a condition known as exercise-induced hematuria, which often resolves within 24 to 72 hours. Certain medications, including blood thinners, some antibiotics, and specific pain relievers, can also be a factor. For women, menstruation can sometimes contaminate a urine sample, leading to a false positive result for red blood cells. It is important to remember that red blood cells in urine are a symptom, not a diagnosis, and further testing is typically needed to identify the specific cause.
Next Steps and Medical Consultation
Upon receiving a urinalysis result of 50 ery/ul, consulting a healthcare professional is an important next step for a proper diagnosis and management plan. The doctor may recommend additional tests to pinpoint the cause of the red blood cells in your urine. These can include a repeat urinalysis to confirm the finding, or a urine culture to check for a bacterial infection.
Further evaluations might involve blood tests to assess kidney function, or imaging studies such as an ultrasound or CT scan to visualize the kidneys and urinary tract. In some cases, a cystoscopy, which involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the bladder, may be performed to directly examine the bladder lining. Seeking professional medical advice is important for evaluation and to determine the appropriate course of action, rather than attempting self-diagnosis.