Urinalysis – Physical And Biochemical Practice Test

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Which statement describes how intact red blood cells can be visually distinguished from specimens containing hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin produces a brighter red color RBCs produce a cloudy specimen RBCs are rapidly converted to hemoglobin Hemoglobin produces a cloudy, pink specimen

Correct Answer:

RBCs produce a cloudy specimen

Explanation:

The key idea is that intact red blood cells in urine create turbidity, making the sample cloudy, whereas free hemoglobin without intact cells does not produce that level of cloudiness. Seeing a cloudy specimen strongly suggests suspended, intact cells (hematuria), while a red-looking but relatively clear sample points to hemoglobin without intact cells (hemoglobinuria/hemoglobinemia). So the statement that intact RBCs produce a cloudy specimen best captures how to visually distinguish them.

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