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Haematuria (blood in the urine)
- Expert assessment for blood in the urine
- Rapid diagnosis and same-day testing available
- Personalised treatment plans from urology consultants
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HAEMATURIA AT HCA HEALTHCARE UK
Why choose us?
Finding blood in your urine, also known as haematuria, can be extremely worrying – but you’re in the right place and we’re here to help. You’ll be able to see an experienced urology consultant quickly and easily, for accurate diagnosis and any treatment you might need.
Our skilled teams can carry out same-day diagnostic testing and provide clear, compassionate communication at every stage. Whether the cause is benign or more serious, you’ll be in expert hands with focused, personalised care.
Haematuria is the medical term for blood in your urine. If the blood’s visible, it’s called gross haematuria, but it can sometimes be invisible to the naked eye, which is called microscopic haematuria.
The condition is often caused by something harmless, such as heavy exercise or medication, which typically doesn't require treatment. However, it’s important to have it investigated – even if it only happens once – as haematuria can also indicate a more serious condition, such as bladder stones, kidney inflammation, urinary tract injuries, or a blood disorder. In some cases, it may also be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer, so early investigation is vital.
The condition is often caused by something harmless, such as heavy exercise or medication, which typically doesn't require treatment. However, it’s important to have it investigated – even if it only happens once – as haematuria can also indicate a more serious condition, such as bladder stones, kidney inflammation, urinary tract injuries, or a blood disorder. In some cases, it may also be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer, so early investigation is vital.
If you see blood in your urine, even if it’s just a small amount or it only happens once, it’s important to seek medical help. The likelihood is that it’s been caused by something harmless which doesn’t require treatment, but it’s always better to be safe and get it checked out.
The first step in your diagnosis is a urinalysis, which will test to see if there’s blood in your urine and check for any signs that you have an infection. An infection can usually easily be treated with a course of antibiotics.
If there are no signs of an infection, your consultant will want to carry out some more detailed tests which may include imaging tests and scans such as ultrasounds, CT scans or a flexible cystoscopy. You can find out about these in more detail in the ‘diagnostics’ section below.
If there are no signs of an infection, your consultant will want to carry out some more detailed tests which may include imaging tests and scans such as ultrasounds, CT scans or a flexible cystoscopy. You can find out about these in more detail in the ‘diagnostics’ section below.
35,000+
outpatient urology visits across HCA UK in 2024
11,000+
urology specific ultrasounds carried out in 2024
100+
urology consultants to choose from for your care
Next-day appointments
See a leading urologist and get on the path to an expert diagnosis within 24 hours
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours
Wide-reaching expertise across the UK
Choose from 9 hospitals and 4 diagnostic centres in London, Birmingham and Manchester
HAEMATURIA TESTS AND SCANS AT HCA UK
Rapid, accurate diagnosis
While blood in your urine is often nothing to worry about, it may be a sign that you have a serious condition that needs expert help. So it’s vital to get a diagnosis from an experienced specialist.
Your dedicated urology consultant will discuss your symptoms, your medical history and your overall health and ask you detailed questions about your urinary function and any related symptoms you’ve been experiencing. They’ll then carry out an initial urine test, called a urinalysis, to check for blood and signs of infection.
Depending on the results, they may also need to carry out some of the following tests:
Your dedicated urology consultant will discuss your symptoms, your medical history and your overall health and ask you detailed questions about your urinary function and any related symptoms you’ve been experiencing. They’ll then carry out an initial urine test, called a urinalysis, to check for blood and signs of infection.
Depending on the results, they may also need to carry out some of the following tests:
- A rectal or vaginal examination
- An ultrasound scan
- A CT scan
- A flexible cystoscopy
- A CT IVU involving an iodine-based injection
HAEMATURIA TREATMENTS AT HCA UK
The right treatment for your condition
Because haematuria can be caused by a wide range of underlying conditions, your treatment will depend on what’s causing it.
If it’s the result of a urinary tract infection, you’ll need a simple course of antibiotics. But blood in your urine can also be a sign of more serious conditions, ranging from bladder and kidney stones to kidney disease and cancer, which all require different specialist treatment.
Your consultant will talk to you in detail about your specific condition and the best way forward.
If it’s the result of a urinary tract infection, you’ll need a simple course of antibiotics. But blood in your urine can also be a sign of more serious conditions, ranging from bladder and kidney stones to kidney disease and cancer, which all require different specialist treatment.
Your consultant will talk to you in detail about your specific condition and the best way forward.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Haematuria FAQ
Visible, or gross haematuria means exactly that – it’s blood in your urine that you can see, because it’s turned your urine pink, red or brown. Non-visible, also known as microscopic haematuria, can’t be seen by the naked eye, and is detected either with a dipstick test, or by examining a urine sample under a microscope.
No, it isn’t. Haematuria can often be caused by relatively minor conditions such as urinary tract infections or kidney stones. However, it can also be a sign of bladder, kidney or prostate cancer, so you should seek medical help as soon as you notice a colour change in your urine.
Most cases of haematuria aren’t serious, and the symptoms will subside without requiring treatment. However, because haematuria can be a sign of a more serious condition, you shouldn’t ignore it. If you see blood in your urine, see a doctor and get it checked out.
Potentially, yes. Haematuria can be a symptom of a wide range of conditions, most of them relatively minor, but it can also be a sign of bladder, kidney or prostate cancer. As the general risk of cancer increases with age, particularly if you’re over 40, it’s vital to seek medical attention if you’re worried so that any causes can be established as soon as possible.
Haematuria can be caused by a wide range of conditions, so it’s not always possible to prevent it. However, some common causes include urinary tract infections and kidney or bladder stones, and there are lifestyle choices that can help to prevent them. These include drinking plenty of water, limiting your intake of salt, caffeine and spicy foods, and eating plenty of vegetables and wholegrains.
Exercise is important for your overall health, but too much strenuous exercise can also cause blood to be present in your urine. It’s always best to get your symptoms checked by a professional.
Exercise is important for your overall health, but too much strenuous exercise can also cause blood to be present in your urine. It’s always best to get your symptoms checked by a professional.
“What stood out most was how carefully Mr Patki listened to my concerns and took the time to explore all possible causes before making a diagnosis. I never felt rushed or dismissed, instead, I felt genuinely cared for and involved in every step of the way.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.