Laboratory Test Reference Guide

Laboratory Information

Test Name

Haemosiderin urine

External Price (excl. GST)

32.66

Specimen Collection

Adult Specimen

Fresh random urine

Test Information

Department

Haematology

Test Availability

Mon - Fri, 0800 - 1630

Laboratory Turnaround Time

4 hours

Reference interval

None detected

Diagnostic Use Or Instructions

The presence of haemosiderin indicates intravascular red cell destruction.

 

Interpretation

Haemosiderinuria is a sequel to the presence of Haemoglobin in the glomerular filtrate. It is a valuable sign of chronic intravascular haemolysis, for the urine will be found to contain iron-containing granules even if there is no haemoglobinuria at the time. However, haemosiderinuria is not found in the urine at the onset of a haemolyic attack even if this is accompanied by haemoglobinaemia and haemoglobinuria, as the haemoglobin has first to be absorbed by the cells of the renal tubules. The intracellular breakdown of haemoglobin liberates iron which is then re-excreted. Haemosiderinuria may persist for several weeks after a haemolytic episode.

Minimum Volume

10 mL urine

Electronic Information

Registration Code

HSIDU

HL7 mapping code

$HSIDU