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Blood in the urine

Blood in the urine may make it pink, red or brown. Always have this assessed, even if it happens only once, there is only a small amount or it is painless.

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Blood in the urine is called haematuria. Urine may be pink, red, rusty brown or tea-coloured, but blood may also be found only through testing. Even a single episode of visible blood needs discussion with a doctor, because causes range from a urinary tract infection to a stone, kidney disease or a tumour.

  • Colour alone does not prove it is blood; food, menstruation and medicines may also discolour urine.
  • Pain and burning when passing urine often suggest infection, but painless blood is not automatically harmless.
  • Clots, inability to pass urine, fever with flank pain or heavy bleeding need prompt assessment.
  • Blood thinners may make bleeding more noticeable but are not a complete explanation; the source needs investigation if appropriate.
  • The doctor chooses urine tests, blood tests, imaging and sometimes an examination inside the bladder based on age and risk.

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Further reading

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