NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

What physical characteristic of urine indicates hematuria?

1. Cloudy appearance

2. Red color

3. Sweet odor

4. Dark yellow color

The correct answer is: Red color

The presence of red color in urine is a significant physical characteristic that indicates hematuria, which is the presence of blood in the urine. When blood enters the urinary system, it may cause the urine to take on a distinct reddish or pinkish hue, depending on the amount of blood present. This color change can arise from various causes, including infections, kidney stones, or other medical conditions affecting the urinary tract. Other physical characteristics of urine, such as cloudy appearance, sweet odor, or dark yellow color, do not specifically signify hematuria. Cloudy urine may suggest the presence of certain substances such as bacteria or crystals but is not definitive for blood. A sweet odor is often associated with conditions such as diabetes, while dark yellow color might indicate dehydration and concentrated urine rather than the presence of blood. Thus, the red color is a direct and reliable indicator of hematuria, making it the correct choice in this context.