Hematuria

Diagnosing hematuria can start with urine tests to search for bacteria that causes urinary tract infections or tests to look for abnormal cells that can be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer.

Imaging tests include X-rays as well as:

• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP), a form of X-ray that allows a urologist to see pictures of the urinary system (kidneys, ureters, and bladder). A special dye, called a "contrast agent," is injected into a vein in the arm and passes quickly into the urinary system. This makes it easier to see abnormalities there.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to create computer-generated, cross-sectional pictures of the organs and areas being examined.
• CT (Computed Tomography CAT scan), to create detailed, three-dimensional pictures of organs and areas being examined.
• Ultrasound to create pictures of the organs and areas being examined.

Cystoscopy is used when a urologist needs to look directly into the bladder and urethra. Local anesthesia is administered, and a thin, telescope-like instrument with a fiber-optic lighting system is gently inserted into the bladder through the urethra.

Treatment depends on what testing shows. Hematuria may be severe and require immediate attention, but many causes of hematuria are not serious and treatment may not be needed.