Urological Disorders

Hematuria

What is hematuria?

Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells (RBCs) in the urine. In microscopic hematuria, the urine appears normal to the naked eye, but examination under a microscope shows a high number of RBCs. In gross hematuria, the urine is red or the color of cola, which can be seen with the naked eye.

What causes hematuria?

Most of the causes are not serious, but, because hematuria may be the result of a tumor or other serious problem, a doctor should be consulted. Several conditions can cause hematuria. For example, exercise may cause hematuria that goes away in 24 hours. Many people have hematuria without having any other related problems.

How is hematuria diagnosed?

To determine the cause of hematuria, or to rule out certain causes, a series of tests may be ordered. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

urinalysis - laboratory examination of urine for various cells and chemicals, such as RBCs, white blood cells, infection, or excessive protein.
blood tests - laboratory examination of blood for high levels of wastes that kidneys are supposed to remove.
intravenous pyelogram - an x-ray of the urinary tract to determine whether a tumor, a kidney or bladder stone, an enlarged prostate, or other blockage to the normal flow of urine is present.
cystoscopic examination - a tiny camera at the end of a thin tube is inserted through the urethra to provide images of the inside of the bladder.

How hematuria may be treated:

A physician will evaluate a patient's condition, symptoms, and medical profile before establishing an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment for hematuria also depends on the condition's underlying cause. Consult your doctor for more information.

This page was last updated on: February 28, 2008.

For more information, call the University Physicians Consultation and Referral Service at 1-800-492-5538 (patients) or 1-800-373-4111 (physicians).

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