CONDITIONS
Blood in the Urine (Haematuria)
Overview
Blood in the urine, also called haematuria, should not be ignored and needs to be investigated. It may be a sign of kidney or urologic disease. Blood in the urine may come from the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra.
There are two different types of haematuria:
- Gross haematuria – This is when your urine's colour is pink, red or has spots of visible blood. Visible blood in the urine indicates an urgent need for further investigation.
- Microscopic haematuria – The blood in the urine can not be seen with the naked eye. The blood is only detectable under a microscope or with a urine dipstick. This is often incidentally found.
Investigation:
The presence of blood in the urine will be investigated according to a risk-based approach. It is recommended that any patient with blood in the urine be assessed by a Urologist. The aim of an investigation is to establish the cause of blood in the urine and thereby to exclude life-threatening causes such as cancers of the urinary tract.
A baseline assessment should be undertaken and individualized according to each patient’s risk factors. Most patients will need an ultrasound-scan or a CT-scan of the urinary tract and a cystoscopy.
A cystoscopy is an examination that involves inspection of the urethra and bladder via a thin camera advanced up the urinary tract. Cystoscopies may be carried out in the doctor’s consulting rooms.
Treatment:
Treatment of haematuria varies greatly and depends on the cause and severity of the blood in the urine. After a diagnosis of the cause of haematuria is made, further treatment will be initiated if and when required.