chemical stix allow the detection of microscopic haematuria. The test is very sensitive and will detect red blood cells in numbers as low as 1-2 x 10^12 per litre. However there is no concensus as to what the 'normal' number of red blood cells should be. Recommendations vary between 2 and 5 per high power field on urine microscopy.
a positive test should be followed by urine microscopy to confirm the presence of red blood cells and so exclude myoglobinuria and haemoglobinuria
Notes (2):
red cells may be present in UTI, patients with persistent haematuria post UTI should be referred
lab microscopy for red cells is less accurate than dipstick due to red cell lysis in transport
Reference:
Update (24/9/97), 354-8.
Health Protection Agency (Accessed 21/4/14). Diagnosis of UTI - Quick Reference Guide for Primary Care.
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