American journal of clinical pathology
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Urine microscopic evaluation of hematuria has traditionally been used to determine the need for an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) in individuals with blunt abdominal trauma. An IVP is generally advocated in cases where greater than 5-10 red blood cells per high power field (RBC/HPF) are identified. Various laboratories have advocated the use of dipstick examination of these urine specimens as a replacement for microscopic examination. ⋯ Poor correlation was seen between the degree of positivity by dipstick testing and the actual degree of microscopic hematuria. It is concluded that specimens which are negative for hematuria by dipstick do not need further testing by microscopic examination. All specimens which contain blood by dipstick evaluation need to be examined microscopically to predict the need for IVP.