Hemoglobinuria
Alternate Names : Urine - hemoglobin
Definition
Hemoglobin is a molecule attached to red blood cells that helps move oxygen and carbon dioxide through the body. Red blood cells have an average life span of 120 days. After this time, they are broken down into parts that can make a new red blood cell. This typically takes place in the spleen, bone marrow, and liver. If the red blood cells break down the blood vessels, their parts move freely in the bloodstream. If the level of hemoglobin in the blood rises too high, then hemoglobin begins to appear in the urine. This is called hemoglobinuria. This article focuses on the urine test done to diagnose hemoglobinuria. See also:
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