Asymptomatic microscopic hematuria is defined as what level of red blood cells per high power field in the absence of obvious causes?

Asymptomatic microscopic hematuria is defined as what level of red blood cells per high power field in the absence of obvious causes?

• A. ≥1 RBC/hpf
• B. ≥2 RBCs/hpf
• C. ≥4 RBCs/hpf
• D. ≥3 RBCs/hpf

Answer: (D)

Asymptomatic microscopic hematuria refers to red blood cells seen on urine microscopy without visible blood in the urine. The threshold used is three or more red blood cells per high-power field, because lower counts (one or two) can occur from urine concentration, contamination, or lab variation and are not reliably abnormal. To avoid false positives, this finding is usually confirmed with repeat testing on separate specimens, aiming to show persistence on two of three samples. If persistent microscopic hematuria is found, it prompts further evaluation for urinary tract or kidney pathology, with attention to clues like RBC morphology to distinguish glomerular from non-glomerular sources.

Asymptomatic microscopic hematuria refers to red blood cells seen on urine microscopy without visible blood in the urine. The threshold used is three or more red blood cells per high-power field, because lower counts (one or two) can occur from urine concentration, contamination, or lab variation and are not reliably abnormal. To avoid false positives, this finding is usually confirmed with repeat testing on separate specimens, aiming to show persistence on two of three samples. If persistent microscopic hematuria is found, it prompts further evaluation for urinary tract or kidney pathology, with attention to clues like RBC morphology to distinguish glomerular from non-glomerular sources.