What does a red blood cell count of 50 ery/ul indicate? Is it acute nephritis?

Dear Mr. Quân,
Thank you for trusting us with your question. First, let's briefly explore the meaning and role of a urine test. A urine test helps in:

• Assessing kidney function: Checking the presence of waste and sediment in the urine to predict overall health status.
• Early detection of kidney issues such as diabetes, kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and other conditions.
• Monitoring treatment progress and evaluating the effects of medication on the body.
• Assessing other conditions by detecting the presence of bacteria, blood cells, or other substances that may suggest different illnesses.

In summary, a urine test helps doctors assess kidney function, detect early health issues, and provide important information about your overall health status.

1. What does a red blood cell count of 50 ery/ul in urine mean? What conditions might it suggest?

Normally, red blood cells rarely appear in urine, and when they do, safe levels are around 0.015 - 0.062 mg/dL or 5-10 ery/ul.
If your red blood cell count in urine is higher than normal (in your case, 50 ery/ul), this could indicate problems such as acute nephritis, glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, polycystic kidney disease, urinary tract infection, kidney or ureter stones, bleeding, or even bladder cancer.

2. What should you do if your red blood cell count in urine is high?

First, keep in mind that test results may be affected if the urine sample was taken during menstruation. To avoid misunderstandings during diagnosis, do not take a urine test during your menstrual cycle. It's important to contact a doctor for comprehensive support, especially if you notice abnormal symptoms such as frequent urination, painful urination, unusual urine color, or prolonged reduced urine output. Your doctor may advise additional tests to confirm if there is an issue with your kidneys or urinary system.

Note: To ensure the most accurate urine test results, follow these steps on the day of the test:

• Fast for 4-6 hours or avoid breakfast after waking up.
• Avoid sugary drinks or stimulants like coffee.
• Refrain from eating foods that can alter urine color, such as beets or carrots.
• Limit the use of certain medications that may cause urine discoloration, such as anticoagulants, metronidazole, sulfonamides, and iron sulfate.

Thank you for your question. If you have any other concerns, feel free to contact us directly for timely support from the Dripcare medical team.