Hematuria: A simple method for identifying glomerular bleeding

Abstract

The present report sets out the results of a small study in which urine samples of patients with glomerulonephritis and others with bleeding from other sites in the urinary tract were examined using phase-contrast microscopy. Dysmorphic red blood cells were seen in the urine sediment of 55 of 58 patients with glomerular disease and in none of 30 patients with nonglomerular disease (P<0.001). In 3 patients with proven glomerulonephritis, urine microscopy showed a mixed population of cells. Although the majority of cells were dysmorphic, up to 20% of cells resembled those seen in nonglomerular bleeding.