What does hematuria refer to?

Hematuria specifically refers to the presence of blood in the urine. This condition can be indicative of various underlying health issues, such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or more serious conditions like tumors. Detecting blood in urine typically requires careful examination through urinalysis and can manifest as either visible blood, termed gross hematuria, or microscopic hematuria, which is only detectable under a microscope. Understanding hematuria is crucial in the medical field, as it helps guide clinicians towards appropriate diagnostic pathways and treatment plans for patients based on the suspected underlying causes.