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Blood in urine is an important health indicator for diagnosing potential issues in the urinary system. Detecting blood can signal infections, kidney stones, or other concerns.
Blood in urine, also called hematuria, is a sign that there may be a problem. This can be a visible sign or detected only under a microscope.
The function of hematuria as a biomarker lies in its role as an indicator of possible issues within the urinary or urogenital system. When blood is found in the urine, it can signal inflammation, infection, injury, or other underlying health conditions, prompting further medical investigation.
Hematuria often acts as an early warning system, helping healthcare providers detect potential problems before they become serious. It’s one of the biomarkers that can point to disorders affecting the kidneys, bladder, urethra, or other related structures.
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Testing for blood in the urine is commonly done as part of routine health checkups or when specific symptoms or risks are present. The test is prescribed to help diagnose or rule out certain conditions. Below are the key situations where a healthcare provider might recommend a hematuria test:
Blood in urine testing is done through a urinalysis, which can detect both visible and microscopic traces of blood. Occult blood in urine, which is not visible to the eye, is often identified only through these types of laboratory tests.
There are two main ways blood in urine, including occult blood, is identified:
Hematuria testing is typically part of a standard urinalysis. This test is often included in:
Preparations
Before a hematuria test, certain steps can improve accuracy:
The normal result for blood in urine is “not detected.” Ideally, no blood cells should be present in urine, and this is what is considered healthy in standard medical exams. However, trace amounts are sometimes found, especially in women during menstruation.
Some labs may use different terms like "positive/negative", "present/absent" and so on but the interpretation remains the same.
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Detecting blood in the urine can indicate a range of health concerns. Here are some common causes:
If hematuria is detected, there are steps you can take to manage or prevent worsening symptoms. Here are some practical recommendations:
If blood in the urine is detected, it’s essential to consult a urologist. A urologist specializes in diagnosing and treating issues related to the urinary tract. In some cases, a nephrologist (a kidney specialist) might be consulted if the problem is likely linked to kidney function.
Yes, in some cases, blood in urine can resolve without treatment, especially if it’s caused by minor factors like vigorous exercise or temporary irritation. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine the cause and ensure it’s not a sign of a more serious condition.
Dehydration itself doesn’t usually cause blood in the urine, but it can make the urinary system more vulnerable to infections or kidney stones, which may lead to hematuria. Staying well-hydrated is important for kidney and bladder health.
Certain foods, like beets, rhubarb, or berries, can change urine color and sometimes cause it to look red, which can mimic blood. However, these foods don’t cause actual hematuria. If blood in urine is detected, it’s best to avoid foods that color urine before testing to ensure clear results.
This article was written by doctors from the Docus Medical Research team and reviewed by leading urology experts. We relied on academic studies, medical research, and publications from credible sources to ensure the information provided is accurate and trustworthy.
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