DYSMORPHIC RED BLOOD CELLS, URINE

Urine red cell morphology is examined when the excretion location of urine red cells in the urinary tract is unclear. The aim of the examination is to separate abnormal red cells and normal red cells from each other. Red cells change when the urine sample is standing. It is important that the sample is as fresh as possible and examined immediately.

Preparation at home

Fasting is not necessary. Empty your bladder in the morning as usual. The urine sample is taken on the agreed morning in a laboratory 1‐2 hours after the last urination. If a sample cannot be taken, you may be given 1‐2 dl of water to drink. Do not drink too much water to avoid the dilution of urine.

Sample collection

Wash the urinary meatus in order to give a clean mid-stream sample (bag urine sample for incontinent infants). The purpose of the test is to examine haematuria, so make sure to wash gently to avoid the bleeding of the mucous membrane. Do not use washing agents.

Women/Girls:

The urinary meatus (female external genitalia) is washed with a hand shower. After washing, the external genitalia are dried off gently with toilet paper.

Men/Boys:

The foreskin is pulled back and the glans is washed with a hand shower. After washing, the urinary meatus is dried off gently with toilet paper.

Sample:

A little bit of urine is allowed to run before collection. The sample is taken of the mid-stream of urine. The rest of the urine is allowed to run into the toilet.

Further information

For more information, please contact the customer service of Fimlab Laboratoriot Oy, tel. (03) 311 74445 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or the customer service of the Ostrobothnia region, tel. (06) 213 1626 on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.