Microscopic haematuria is a condition in which urine contains blood that is not visible to the naked eye and can be detected only by a urine test. The urine is examined under microscope to identify different cells such as red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), epithelial cell (ECs) and bacteria.

Microscopic haematuria often has no symptoms and is most commonly detected as part of a urine test at your routine medical check-up.

The possible causes of microscopic haematuria include:

• Menstruation
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Kidney or bladder stone
• Benign or malignant tumour in kidney or bladder
• Radiotherapy of bladder or pelvis
• Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome

To find the cause of haematuria the doctor may order a series of tests which include

• Imaging of Urinary Tract – Ultrasound, CT or MRI
• Urine Tests: Cytology and MSU m/c/s with RBC Morphology
• Cystoscopy: A cystoscopy is an examination of the inside of the bladder and urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body

The treatment of microscopic haematuria depends on the underlying cause. Your doctor will focus on treating the underlying cause to help prevent it from recurring.