Blood in the urine, called hematuria, can be frightening. It does not always mean cancer, and it should not be ignored. Our urologists will take a careful look and explain the next step in plain language.
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Sometimes the blood is visible and turns the urine pink, red or brown. Sometimes it is microscopic and a lab is the first to find it. A dipstick test can occasionally be wrong, so we confirm the finding before we go further.
How we look for a cause
The usual workup starts with your history and an exam, then a urinalysis and, when it would help, a urine culture or a check for abnormal cells. Imaging of the kidneys and urinary tract, such as an ultrasound or a CT scan, is often part of the plan. Many people also have a cystoscopy, a brief look into the bladder through a slim camera. Infection, stones and prostate enlargement are frequent causes. Cancers of the bladder, kidney or prostate are among the reasons we are thorough.
Advanced Urology explains hematuria in more detail on its blood in urine page.
When to go to the emergency department
Heavy bleeding, clots that keep you from passing urine, or pain so strong no position helps belong in an emergency department, or with 911. For blood you have noticed, or a lab result you want explained, call 678-344-8900 and we will find a time to see you at our Sandy Springs or Decatur clinic.
How we evaluate hematuria at our clinics
Visible blood, or a lab finding of hematuria, is a reason to come to our Sandy Springs Clinic & Surgery Center, 1450 S Johnson Ferry Road, or to our Decatur Clinic, 2711 Irvin Way. Our urologists will confirm the finding, take a history, and, when it would change the plan, arrange imaging and a cystoscopy. Infection, stones and prostate enlargement are frequent explanations; cancers of the bladder or kidney are among the reasons we are thorough.
Bring the lab report if you have one, a government-issued identification, insurance information if you carry it, and a medicine list. Call 678-344-8900, or book online, and we will find a time to walk through the usual tests. Heavy bleeding, clots that stop you from urinating, or pain so strong no position helps should be handled by calling 911 or getting to an emergency department now.
An official video about blood in the urine
Advanced Urology recorded this official video, Hidden Clues: Understanding Blood in the Urine, as a patient explanation of hematuria. It is useful background before a visit at Sandy Springs or Decatur.