Blood in Urine Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Hematuria itself does not cause symptoms. However, it is often a sign of an underlying condition, which may cause symptoms. For example, kidney stones cause severe pain in the flank, abdomen, or groin and can result in hematuria.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in kidney disease (nephrologist) or the urinary system (urologist).

Tests may include:

Urine tests—tests to confirm the presence of blood and look for protein, bacteria, or cancer cells in the urine
Blood tests—tests to check how well the kidneys are functioning and to look for medical conditions that cause hematuria
X-ray —performed with contrast material injected into a vein to look at the function and structure of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder
Ultrasound —a test that uses sound waves to create images of the kidneys and urinary tract
CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to create images of the kidneys and urinary tract
MRI scan —a test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create images of the kidneys and urinary tract
Cystoscopy —a thin tube inserted through the urethra and into the bladder to look at its lining

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