Updated September 03, 2013.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Definition:
Hematuria is a term used to describe a condition where there is blood in the urine.
It can be further categorized as microscopic hematuria, in which blood is not actually visible in the urine, but it can be detected by a urine test, or macroscopic hematuria, which describes obvious blood in the urine. Macroscopic hematuria can also be referred to as “frank blood” in the urine.
In patients with leukemia or lymphoma, there are a number of possible causes of hematuria:
Hematuria is diagnosed using a urinalysis, in which you void into a sterile cup and the sample is looked at under the microscope to detect any red blood cells. Hematuria can also be diagnosed using a chemistry “dipstick,” which is dipped into your urine and indicates the presence of hemoglobin (a component of blood).
How hematuria is treated depends on what is causing it.
While some causes of hematuria can be more serious than others, you should always contact your healthcare team if you think that you have blood in your urine.
Pronunciation: Heem-a-tur-ee-a
Alternate Spellings: Haematuria
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Definition:
Hematuria is a term used to describe a condition where there is blood in the urine.
It can be further categorized as microscopic hematuria, in which blood is not actually visible in the urine, but it can be detected by a urine test, or macroscopic hematuria, which describes obvious blood in the urine. Macroscopic hematuria can also be referred to as “frank blood” in the urine.
In patients with leukemia or lymphoma, there are a number of possible causes of hematuria:
- Urinary tract infections from bacteria or viruses, more commonly as a result of immune system suppression
- Low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia)
- Irritation of bladder lining from chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Certain medications, including aspirin
- Intense exercise
Hematuria is diagnosed using a urinalysis, in which you void into a sterile cup and the sample is looked at under the microscope to detect any red blood cells. Hematuria can also be diagnosed using a chemistry “dipstick,” which is dipped into your urine and indicates the presence of hemoglobin (a component of blood).
How hematuria is treated depends on what is causing it.
While some causes of hematuria can be more serious than others, you should always contact your healthcare team if you think that you have blood in your urine.
Pronunciation: Heem-a-tur-ee-a
Alternate Spellings: Haematuria
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