Guide To The Causes Of Blood In Urine (Hematuria)

Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells in an individual's urine and can be categorized in two different ways. Microscopic hematuria is the term used to describe blood cells in the urine that cannot be seen with the naked eye but can be seen through a microscope. Gross hematuria describes blood that can be seen in the urine with the naked eye. When an individual is affected by gross hematuria, their urine appears brown, red, or pink. It takes a nominal amount of blood to change the color of urine. Depending on its cause, other symptoms may or may not manifest in individuals affected by hematuria. Hematuria has many possible causes. Several diagnostic methods may be used to identify the underlying cause of hematuria, including a urinalysis, blood testing, CT scan, cystoscopy, kidney biopsy, and MRIs.