Hematuria

Hematuria
Other namesHaematuria, erythrocyturia, blood in the urine
Visible hematuria that is tea-colored
SpecialtyNephrology, Urology
SymptomsBlood in the urine
CausesUrinary tract infection, kidney stone, bladder cancer, kidney cancer

Hematuria or haematuria is defined as the presence of blood or red blood cells in the urine.[1] "Gross hematuria" occurs when urine appears red, brown, or tea-colored due to the presence of blood. Hematuria may also be subtle and only detectable with a microscope or laboratory test.[2] Blood that enters and mixes with the urine can come from any location within the urinary system, including the kidney, ureter, urinary bladder, urethra, and in men, the prostate.[3] Common causes of hematuria include urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney stones, viral illness, trauma, bladder cancer, and exercise.[4] These causes are grouped into glomerular and non-glomerular causes, depending on the involvement of the glomerulus of the kidney.[1] But not all red urine is hematuria.[5] Other substances such as certain medications and foods (e.g. blackberries, beets, food dyes) can cause urine to appear red.[5] Menstruation in women may also cause the appearance of hematuria and may result in a positive urine dipstick test for hematuria.[6] A urine dipstick test may also give an incorrect positive result for hematuria if there are other substances in the urine such as myoglobin, a protein excreted into urine during rhabdomyolysis. A positive urine dipstick test should be confirmed with microscopy, where hematuria is defined by three or more red blood cells per high power field.[6] When hematuria is detected, a thorough history and physical examination with appropriate further evaluation (e.g. laboratory testing) can help determine the underlying cause.[1]

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