Difference between occult blood and red blood cells

In urine testing, occult blood and red blood cells are two very common concepts. Generally speaking, occult blood in urine means that the red blood cell content in the blood is relatively high, so the two are actually the same. If occult blood is detected in the urine, this symptom is also called hematuria. Causes of hematuria include urinary stones, urinary tract infection or tumors. Therefore, if hematuria occurs, it is necessary to check and treat it in time.

1. Introduction to Occult Blood

The so-called occult blood is "potential bleeding", which means that the presence of red blood cells cannot be observed with the naked eye or under a microscope, but there is a reaction when tested with a test strip. This is because when red blood cells are destroyed, the hemoglobin contained in them will be released, so the urine test stick can detect the hemoglobin reaction.

But why do red blood cells burst before leaving the body? It may be that the lifespan of the red blood cells has come to an end and they dissolve on their own like foam. It may also be that after drinking a lot of water, the urine becomes thinner and the tension decreases, causing the red blood cells to burst. In any case, the presence of occult blood, like hematuria, is a warning sign and should not be taken lightly.

2. Introduction to Red Blood Cells

Erythrocytes, also known as erythrocytes, are often abbreviated as RBC in routine tests. They are the most numerous type of blood cells in the blood. They are also the main medium for transporting oxygen through the blood in vertebrates and also have immune functions. Mature red blood cells in mammals are anucleate, meaning they have lost their DNA. Red blood cells also lack mitochondria; they generate energy from glucose. It transports oxygen and also some carbon dioxide. It is dark purple when transporting carbon dioxide and bright red when transporting oxygen.

Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and begin to grow inside white blood cells. When red blood cells age, they are prone to blood vessel blockage, so they will automatically return to the deep bone marrow to be destroyed by white blood cells; or when passing through the liver, they will be broken down into bile by Kupffer cells.

3. The difference between urine occult blood and red blood cells

Urine occult blood + indicates that there is blood in your urine. The plus is the amount of blood. The presence of red blood cells in the urine is called urine occult blood. Microscopic urine red blood cells are red blood cells seen in the urine under a microscope, which also means there is blood in the urine. Urine occult blood and red blood cells in the urine are the same disease, both of which indicate that your urinary tract is inflamed, or is caused by urinary stones or tumors, and further examination is needed to confirm the diagnosis.