urine blood test explained

Overview

A urine blood test is a quick, simple test that checks for tiny amounts of blood in your urine. It is usually done by dipping a special strip into a sample of your urine. The strip changes colour if blood is present. This test is a screening tool — it does not tell you why there is blood, but it alerts your doctor to do more checks.

Yes, finding blood in the urine is quite common. It can happen to people of any age. Most of the time it is caused by harmless issues like a urinary tract infection or vigorous exercise.

Urine blood tests are done in people of all ages — from children to older adults. You might have this test if you have symptoms or during a routine health check.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• The urine blood test itself does not cause symptoms. The test is done to check for blood, which may be linked to symptoms such as:
• Pain or burning when you urinate
• Frequent need to urinate or feeling like you must go right away
• Pain in your lower belly or back

Symptoms in children

• In children, the test might be done if they complain of pain when urinating, have a fever without a clear cause, or if their urine looks pink or red.

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, the test may be done as part of a routine check. They may have no symptoms, or they might notice changes in urination or blood in the urine.

Causes

Main causes

• Urinary tract infection (UTI) — an infection in your bladder or kidneys
• Kidney stones — hard deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause bleeding
• Bladder or kidney infection
• Strenuous exercise (like running a marathon) can cause temporary blood in urine
• Menstruation (period) can show blood in a urine sample
• Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (but never stop taking them without talking to your doctor)
• Injury to the kidney area
• Less commonly, problems like an enlarged prostate or a growth in the bladder or kidney

Risk factors

• Being female — women have a higher risk of UTIs
• Being over 50 years old — risk of prostate problems or kidney issues increases
• Having a family history of kidney disease or kidney stones
• Smoking — increases risk of bladder and kidney problems
• Taking certain medications that can irritate the bladder or kidneys

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you see blood in your urine and you also have a fever, severe pain, or cannot urinate — get medical help right away.
• If you have blood in your urine after an injury to your back or side.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have blood in your urine (even a small amount) and no other symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor within a week or two.
• If your urine blood test was done as part of a check-up and it came back positive, follow up with your doctor as advised.

Diagnosis

A urine blood test is the first step. If it shows blood, your doctor will do more tests to find out why.

Tests that may be done

• Urine dipstick test — the screening test that checks for blood, among other things
• Urine microscopy — looking at the urine under a microscope to see if red blood cells are present and how many
• Urine culture — to check for infection
• Blood tests — to check how well your kidneys are working
• Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to look at your kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. You will be asked to provide a urine sample — usually a 'midstream' sample (catch urine after you have started peeing). The test is painless. If further tests are needed, they may be done on the same day or at a later appointment.

Treatment

Treatment depends entirely on what is causing the blood in your urine. There is no specific treatment for the blood itself — treating the cause stops the bleeding.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated — this helps flush out infections and small stones.
• If you have a UTI, avoid things that irritate the bladder, like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods.
• If the cause is vigorous exercise, resting for a few days usually makes it go away.
• Never stop taking prescribed medication, even if you think it is causing blood — talk to your doctor first.

Medical treatments

If an infection is the cause, you will likely be given a course of antibiotics. Your doctor will choose the right one based on the type of bacteria found. For kidney stones, you might be given pain relief and advice to drink more water. Some stones may need to be broken up with sound waves (lithotripsy) or removed with a small procedure. For other causes like an enlarged prostate, medication can help. If a more serious condition like a growth is found, your doctor will talk to you about treatment options, which may include surgery or other therapies. Remember, your doctor will explain the best plan for your specific situation.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is only needed in certain cases, such as to remove a large kidney stone, treat an enlarged prostate that does not respond to medication, or remove a tumour. Most people with blood in the urine do not need surgery.

Living with this condition

For most people, finding blood in the urine does not change daily life once the cause is treated. While waiting for test results, it is normal to feel worried. Try to go about your usual routine and talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay hydrated — drink enough water so your urine is pale yellow.
• If you have had an infection, finish your full course of antibiotics even if you feel better.
• Avoid smoking, as it increases the risk of many urinary and kidney problems.
• If you have kidney stones, your doctor may suggest a special diet (like low salt, low oxalate foods) — but only if recommended for your type of stone.

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is good for your overall health and your urinary system. If you exercise heavily, try to stay well-hydrated. If blood in urine happens after intense workouts, talk to your doctor — it is usually harmless but worth checking.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is common to feel anxious when you see blood in your urine or get an unexpected positive test result. Many causes are minor, but the uncertainty can be stressful. Talk to your doctor about any worries. They can explain what the results mean and what the next steps are. You can also ask about counselling if you find it hard to cope with anxiety.

Prevention

Not all causes of blood in the urine can be prevented, but you can lower your risk of UTIs and kidney stones. Drink plenty of water, urinate when you feel the need (don't hold it in), and practice good hygiene. If you have a condition like an enlarged prostate, follow your doctor's advice to manage it.

Vaccines

Vaccines are not used to prevent blood in the urine. However, staying up to date with routine vaccines (like flu, pneumonia) can help prevent infections that might affect your urinary system.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for blood in the urine for the general public. Your doctor may check your urine as part of a health check if you have risk factors or symptoms.

Complications

If left untreated

• If the cause of blood in the urine is left untreated, it could lead to more serious problems. For example, an untreated UTI can spread to the kidneys and cause kidney infection or damage.
• Kidney stones that are not treated can block urine flow, cause severe pain, and damage the kidney.
• In rare cases, untreated bladder or kidney tumors can grow and spread.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for most people with blood in the urine is very good. Once the cause is found and treated, the bleeding usually stops. Even when a more serious condition is the cause, catching it early often leads to successful treatment. Most causes are not serious. Your doctor will work with you to find the cause and manage it.

Find support

Local organisations

• NHS website - Blood in urine ↗ · UK

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