Which test is commonly used to evaluate the cause of hematuria?

Urinalysis is the primary test used to evaluate the cause of hematuria, which is the presence of blood in the urine. This test involves analyzing a urine sample for various components that can indicate underlying conditions. For example, urinalysis can reveal red blood cells, white blood cells, proteins, and the presence of bacteria, all of which can provide insights into potential causes of hematuria such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or other renal conditions.

Through urinalysis, healthcare providers can also assess for microscopic versus gross hematuria, which guides further diagnostic steps. If the urinalysis indicates a urinary tract infection, trending towards additional tests like cultures may be appropriate. Similarly, the presence of crystals could indicate nephrolithiasis (kidney stones). The urinalysis acts as a valuable first step in the diagnostic process, allowing clinicians to narrow down potential causes and initiate appropriate management based on findings.

While other tests such as CT scans can provide detailed imaging to identify structural issues, and blood pressure tests or skin biopsies serve different diagnostic purposes, they are not routinely used as initial evaluations for hematuria. The urinalysis stands out as the most direct and informative assessment for identifying the underlying factors contributing to blood in