Hematuria is the medical term for blood present in the urine. Red or pink urine is most often due to blood being present. It can be further referred to as visible hematuria or gross hematuria. When the blood is not easily seen, it is referred to as microscopic hematuria and can only be seen in a laboratory under a microscope.
Many routine tests require the patient to give a urine sample for testing. It will be tested one of two ways – with a chemical strip just dipped into the urine or under a microscope. Several different things are tested for within the urine – blood, sugar, and bacteria. A high level of sugar indicates diabetes or uncontrolled diabetes. The presence of bacteria indicates an infection.
If blood is detected, the cause of the blood must also be determined to decide if further testing needs to be done or what kind of treatment needs to be prescribed.
- Kidney disease or trauma
- Kidney cancer
- Prostate infection
- Enlarged prostate
- Kidney stones
- Urinary infection
- Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Cancer inside the urinary tract
When blood is visible in the urine (gross hematuria), it is more likely to be related to cancer or other health issues.
If you are experiencing hematuria, call Magic Valley Urology for an appointment immediately.