Visible Haematuria

What Should I Do If I Have Blood In My Urine?

Your GP will normally investigate blood in the urine as a matter of urgency. Most GPs will perform simple, baseline tests. You may be started on antibiotics to treat a presumed infection. However, if the urine test result comes back showing no evidence of infection, you will normally be referred to your local urology department for more detailed investigations.

Causes

• Bladder Infection
• Cancers of the bladder, kidney or prostate
• Stones in the kidneys or bladder
• Inflammation of the kidneys (nephritis)
• Urinary tract injuries
• Blood disorders (e.g. sickle cell disease, clotting disorders, anticoagulant and anti-platelet drugs)

Common Facts About Haematuria

• The most common cause of blood in the urine is cystitis.
• Blood in the urine, visible or non-visible, should always be investigated.
• A one-off finding of a small trace of blood in the urine on routine testing may not be significant.
• Some drugs (e.g. rifampicin, nitrofurantoin) and food (e.g. beetroot) can turn the urine.