Microhematuria

Last updated
Microscopic hematuria: Red blood cells in a urine sample seen under the microscope. MicroHematuria.JPG
Microscopic hematuria: Red blood cells in a urine sample seen under the microscope.

Microhematuria, also called microscopic hematuria (both usually abbreviated as MH), is a medical condition in which urine contains small amounts of blood; the blood quantity is too low to change the color of the urine (otherwise, it is known as gross hematuria). While not dangerous in itself, it may be a symptom of kidney disease, such as IgA nephropathy or sickle cell trait, [1] or bladder pathology which should be monitored by a doctor.

Contents

The American Urological Association (AUA) recommends a definition of microscopic hematuria as three or more red blood cells per high-power microscopic field in urinary sediment from two of three properly collected urinalysis specimens. [2]

Microhematuria is usually asymptomatic, and as of 2001 there were medical guidelines on how to handle asymptomatic microhematuria (AMH) so as to avoid problems such as overtreatment or misdiagnosis. [2] In 2025, American Urological Association guidelines for microhematuria were updated. [3]

See also

References

  1. "Sickle Cell trait and Hematuria: Information for healthcare providers" (PDF). cdc.gov. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 3 July 2020.
  2. 1 2 Grossfeld, G.; Wolf Jr, J.; Litwan, M.; Hricak, H.; Shuler, C.; Agerter, D.; Carroll, P. (March 15, 2001). "Asymptomatic microscopic hematuria in adults: Summary of the AUA best practice policy recommendations". American Family Physician. 63 (6): 1145–1154. PMID   11277551.
  3. "Microhematuria: AUA/SUFU Guideline (2025)". www.auanet.org. 2025. Retrieved 2025-08-06.