What is considered significant microscopic hematuria?

Microscopic hematuria, a common finding on routine urinalysis of adults, is clinically significant when three to five red blood cells per high-power field are visible. Etiologies of microscopic hematuria range from incidental causes to life-threatening urinary tract neoplasm.

Should I be worried about microscopic hematuria?

If you have no symptoms of microscopic hematuria, you may not know to alert your doctor. But if you do have symptoms, call your doctor right away. It is always important to find out the cause of blood in your urine.

What percentage of microscopic hematuria is cancer?

In one study, only about 10 percent of people with visible hematuria and 2 to 5 percent of those with microscopic hematuria had bladder cancer [5,6]. Anyone with blood in their urine should be evaluated by a health care provider.

Is trace amounts of blood in urine normal?

While in many instances the cause is harmless, blood in urine (hematuria) can indicate a serious disorder. Blood that you can see is called gross hematuria. Urinary blood that’s visible only under a microscope (microscopic hematuria) is found when your doctor tests your urine.

What can cause microscopic blood in urine without infection?

What Causes Hematuria?

• Urinary tract infection.
• Enlarged prostate.
• Kidney stones.
• Vigorous exercise such as long-distance running.
• Certain drugs, such as blood thinners, aspirin and other pain relievers, and antibiotics.

What will a urologist do for blood in urine?

Cystoscopy. Cystoscopy is a procedure that a urologist—a doctor who specializes in urinary problems—performs to see inside the patient’s bladder and urethra using a cystoscope, a tubelike instrument. The health care professional performs cystoscopy in his or her office, in an outpatient center, or in a hospital.