‘Heme’ means blood and ‘uria’ means urine.

Hematuria is the medical term for blood in urine. If you ever notice that your urine is tea-colored, purplish, brownish, pink or red, see your doctor immediately! Unfortunately, this blood is not always visible to the naked eye and must be found through a routine urine test. When examining urine for blood, we pay close attention to the shape of the red blood cells under a microscope. This usually clues us into the cause.

Causes of blood in urine

It can originate from several sites in the urinary tract.

Hematuria - Causes of Blood in Urine

  • Protein AND blood points to a problem in the glomerulus or kidney filter
  • Bladder infection, may be accompanied by painful urination
  • Kidney infection
  • Kidney stones
  • Kidney cyst rupture
  • Vigorous exercise, injury or trauma
  • Prostate enlargement or inflammation
  • Kidney, prostate or bladder cancer
  • Blood thinners
  • Menstruation
  • Sexual activity

What further tests may be ordered by my doctor?

Often times further investigation is required to figure out the cause of blood in urine. Here are some of the ones that may help take to identify where the blood is coming from.

  • Urine and Blood tests

    Hematuria - Blood in Urine

  • CAT scan

     

  • Kidney Ultrasound

    May be used as an alternative for pregnant women, children, and those who are allergic or can’t take to contrast dye

  • Kidney Biopsy

    A kidney biopsy may be ordered by your doctor if you have both blood and protein in your urine. This can be done as an outpatient procedure. It involves take small piece of kidney tissue by putting a needle through your back. A pathologist then helps us nail a diagnosis.