Hematuria (Blood in Urine)
What is hematuria?
Hematuria is blood in the urine. It is typically grouped into two categories:
- Gross hematuria is visible blood in the urine. The urine may look red or brown. Sometimes, clots can be found in the blood.
- Microscopic hematuria is only visible under a microscope and is usually detected with a urine test during a doctor's visit.
Hematuria can be caused by a variety of conditions, including stones, infection, a tumor, or injury involving the kidneys, urinary tract, prostate gland and/or genitals. It could also be caused by a bleeding disorder or by taking certain medications.
If you find blood in your urine, you should contact your doctor immediately, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain or difficulty urinating.
How is hematuria evaluated?
Hematuria does not necessarily mean there is a medical condition. It may be caused by routine activities such as vigorous exercise. However, because it can sometimes indicate a serious condition or disease, your doctor will usually evaluate the cause of hematuria.
Your doctor will begin by discussing your medical history and any symptoms you may have and performing a physical exam. During the physical exam, your doctor will check for any signs of injury such as bruising. If you are male, your doctor may perform a digital rectal exam to determine if your prostate may be causing the hematuria. You should also inform your doctor of any medications you may be taking, including vitamins or supplements.
Hematuria may be evaluated by one or more of the following imaging examinations:
- X-ray: An abdominal radiograph or x-ray may be used to look for some of the causes of hematuria, such as kidney or bladder stones, especially if other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting are associated. Most causes of hematuria will not be detected by an x-ray, and additional exams will likely be required.
- Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) (www.radiologyresource.org/en/info.cfm?pg=ivp): IVP is an x-ray examination that will help your doctor visualize your kidneys, bladder and ureters. It can help detect abnormalities within the urinary system and show how efficiently the urinary system eliminates waste. This exam requires the patient to receive an injection of contrast material ("x-ray dye") into the vein. After several minutes, a series of x-rays will be taken revealing the kidneys, ureters and bladder.
- MR/CT Urography (www.radiologyresource.org/en/info.cfm?pg=urography): Your doctor may order a CT or MR urography exam. Both exams will help your doctor see your urinary tract, including the bladder, ureters and kidneys. MR urography imaging uses a strong magnetic field to capture images of your urinary tract.
- Abdominal ultrasound (www.radiologyresource.org/en/info.cfm?pg=abdominus): Ultrasound may be useful for helping your doctor to see the kidneys and the bladder and identify abnormalities, such as blockages in the urinary tract or other causes of hematuria.
How is hematuria treated?
The treatment for hematuria varies and is dependent upon the cause. Hematuria does not have a cure; rather, your doctor will treat the condition or disease causing the blood in your urine.
If your doctor determines a tumor is present somewhere in the urinary tract, prostate or lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, possible treatments may include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy.
Locate an ACR-accredited provider: To locate a medical imaging or radiation oncology provider in your community, you can search the ACR-accredited facilities database.
This website does not provide costs for exams. The costs for specific medical imaging tests and treatments vary widely across geographic regions. Many—but not all—imaging procedures are covered by insurance. Discuss the fees associated with your medical imaging procedure with your doctor and/or the medical facility staff to get a better understanding of the portions covered by insurance and the possible charges that you will incur.
Web page review process: This Web page is reviewed regularly by a physician with expertise in the medical area presented and is further reviewed by committees from the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), comprising physicians with expertise in several radiologic areas.
Outside links: For the convenience of our users, RadiologyInfo.org provides links to relevant websites. RadiologyInfo.org, ACR and RSNA are not responsible for the content contained on the web pages found at these links.
Images: Images are shown for illustrative purposes. Do not attempt to draw conclusions or make diagnoses by comparing these images to other medical images, particularly your own. Only qualified physicians should interpret images; the radiologist is the physician expert trained in medical imaging.
This page was reviewed on April 12, 2012
