🧪 Blood in Urine (Hematuria) – Results Explained

Blood in urine, called hematuria, can be caused by many conditions. Learn what it means, how it’s tested, and when it may be serious. 

🧪 Blood in Urine (Hematuria)

🧠 How Is Blood in Urine Detected? 

Most often, it is found on a routine test called:

👉 a urinalysis

The lab report may say things like:

• “Blood: positive”
  
  

• “RBCs present”
  
  

• “Red blood cells seen”
  
  

Sometimes additional testing is done to confirm the finding.

❓ What Can Cause Blood in Urine? 

There are many possible causes. Some are mild, others more serious.

Common causes include:

• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
  
  

• Kidney stones
  
  

• Kidney infection
  
  

• Bladder infection
  
  

• Enlarged prostate
  
  

• Intense exercise
  
  

• Menstruation contamination
  
  

• Recent medical procedures

Kidney-related causes:

• Chronic kidney disease
  
  

• Glomerulonephritis
  
  

• Kidney injury
  
  

• Polycystic kidney disease
  
  

• Trauma to the kidneys

Less common but important causes:

• Bladder or kidney tumors
  
  

• Blood clotting problems
  
  

• Certain medications
  
  

• Autoimmune diseases

🚦 When Is It More Concerning? 

Blood in urine is more worrisome if it occurs with:

• Pain in the side or back
  
  

• Fever
  
  

• Burning with urination
  
  

• Weight loss
  
  

• Swelling
  
  

• High blood pressure
  
  

• Abnormal kidney blood tests
  
  

• Large amounts of visible blood
  
  

These situations need prompt medical attention.

🧪 What Tests Are Usually Done Next? 

If hematuria is found, doctors may order:

Urine tests such as:

• Repeat urinalysis
  
  

• Urine culture
  
  

• Urine protein testing
  
  

Blood tests like:

• Creatinine
  
  

• eGFR
  
  

• BUN
  
  

Imaging tests:

• Kidney and bladder ultrasound
  
  

• CT scan
  
  

• Sometimes a cystoscopy (camera in the bladder)
  
  

The exact tests depend on your age, symptoms, and medical history.

⚠️ Important to Know 

A single finding of blood in urine does not always mean something serious.

Temporary causes can include:

• Heavy exercise
  
  

• Mild infections
  
  

• Dehydration
  
  

• Minor irritation
  
  

But if it keeps happening, it should always be evaluated.

💬 Common Questions 

Can dehydration cause blood in urine?

It can sometimes make mild irritation worse, but dehydration alone usually does not cause true hematuria.

Does blood in urine always mean kidney disease?

No.

Many cases come from the bladder, prostate, or urinary tract instead of the kidneys.

Can medications cause blood in urine?

Yes.

Blood thinners, aspirin, and some other medications can sometimes contribute.

Is blood in urine an emergency?

It can be if you have:

• Large amounts of blood
  
  

• Clots
  
  

• Severe pain
  
  

• Fever
  
  

• Trouble urinating
  
  

Otherwise, it is important but not usually an immediate emergency.

🧩 How This Fits With Other Kidney Tests 

When blood is found in urine, doctors usually also look at:

• Protein in urine
  
  

• Creatinine
  
  

• eGFR
  
  

• Imaging tests
  
  

• Urine culture
  
  

All of these together help pinpoint the cause.

✅ Bottom Line 

Blood in urine:

• Is never considered “normal”
  
  

• Often has treatable causes
  
  

• May be mild and temporary
  
  

• Sometimes signals a kidney or urinary tract problem
  
  

If you have persistent blood in your urine, follow up with your healthcare provider for proper evaluation.

Related Pages

• Urinalysis Results Explained
  
  

• Protein in Urine Explained
  
  

• Creatinine Blood Test Explained
  
  

• What Is GFR / eGFR Explained
  
  

• Kidney Infection Explained