What is haematuria?
- Haematuria is the presence of blood in the urine.
- Blood that you can see in the urine is called gross or macroscopic haematuria, and the urine may appear pink, red, or dark red in colour.
- Blood that’s visible only under a microscope is known as microscopic haematuria. Both microscopic and macroscopic heamaturia need to be investigated to evaluate the reason for the bleeding and to exclude sinister causes.
What are the causes of haematuria?
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Kidney and bladder stones
- Benign enlargement of prostate
- Prostatitis
- Cancers of the kidney, ureters, bladder and prostate
- Trauma
- Recent surgery
- Radiotherapy
- Kidney diseases – renal failure, glomerulonephritis
- Medications
- Strenuous exercise
What are the tests required to find out the cause of haematuria?
- Your doctor may organise further tests to investigate the cause of blood in the urine.
- Urine tests: to confirm blood in the urine, to diagnosis infection, to check for abnormal or cancerous cells
- Imaging tests: CT or Ultrasound scan will be organised to check for stones and cancers
- Cystoscopy: a tiny flexible camera is inserted into the bladder to closely examine the lower urinary tract and the bladder for signs of disease
Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for your general information and is not a substitute for the specific advice of your treating doctor.