Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein found in red blood cells, responsible for the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. Normally, hemoglobin is absent in urine, as blood cells should not penetrate into urine and hemoglobin should not be excreted freely.
The detection of hemoglobin in urine (hemoglobinuria) is a pathological condition and requires further investigation to determine the cause.
The main causes of hemoglobin in urine include:
- Hemolytic diseases (e.g., malaria, sepsis, toxin poisoning);
- Kidney and urinary tract injuries (trauma, inflammation, infections);
- Transfusion of incompatible blood;
- Intoxication with heavy metals and other toxins;
- March hemoglobinuria (damage to red blood cells during intense physical exertion);
- Certain infectious and inflammatory diseases;
Hemoglobinuria may be accompanied by a change in urine color (from pink to dark red), as well as symptoms of the underlying disease. Additional laboratory and instrumental studies are necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cause.
Urinalysis with hemoglobin determination is an important diagnostic test for detecting blood, kidney, and urinary tract diseases.