I just had a urine sample tested because I was having burning and itching. My OB-GYN said it showed no infection, but blood and protein. Could you explain what could cause this?

--Kay

Blood can show up in a urinalysis for several reasons: one of the most common is menstrual bleeding. Blood truly in the urine, and not a contaminant from the vagina, may be a sign of an infection, kidney stones, trauma or malignancy. A small amount of protein in the urine may be normal or a sign of an infection. Larger amounts of protein may indicate kidney damage or disease.

In general, if only a small amount of blood and protein are detected on a urine dipstick, and infection is ruled out, the urinalysis is repeated in a week or so. If the abnormalities are remain, or if they are more severe, then additional tests are carried out. Sometimes a referral is made to a urologist, a surgeon specializing in the urinary tract, or a nephrologist, a medical doctor whose specialty is the kidney.