Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2010 Apr;22(4):186-91.
doi: 10.1111/j.1745-7599.2010.00491.x.

Diagnostic algorithm for the evaluation of hematuria

Affiliations

Diagnostic algorithm for the evaluation of hematuria

Xinying Shen. J Am Acad Nurse Pract. 2010 Apr.

Abstract

Purpose: To present a logical and cost-effective diagnostic approach for primary care physicians to a common symptom, hematuria.

Data source: Selected research, review articles, as well as medical textbooks and current government guidelines.

Conclusion: Dipstick test and microscopic urinalysis are two common screening tests for hematuria. Once hematuria is discovered, its etiology should be investigated through a comprehensive history, a focused physical examination, laboratory studies, and radiographic imaging. Microscopic urinalysis is simple yet important in distinguishing glomerular from nonglomerular sources of bleeding. Intravenous urography, renal ultrasonography, or computed tomography may be needed to determine the location and characteristics of lesions. Cytoscopy is important in evaluating lower urinary tract lesions.

Implications for practice: Hematuria is a frequently encountered symptom that has a broad differential diagnosis ranging from insignificant etiology to potentially life-threatening neoplastic lesions. A systematic method can be useful in efficiently and cost-effectively managing hematuria. Early and appropriate diagnosis of this common symptom results in improved clinical outcomes.

PubMed Disclaimer

Similar articles

Cited by

MeSH terms

LinkOut - more resources

-