DIAGNOSIS CHECKLIST
for Blood in urine

Why: can determine if acute or chronic.

Why: blood in the first part of the urine stream suggests a urethral or Prostatic lesion , while blood in the terminal part of the urine stream suggests bleeding from the bladder. Uniform bleeding has no localizing features.

Why: e.g. joggers and athletes engaged in very vigorous exercise can develop transient blood in the urine.

Why: radiation cystitis can cause massive blood in the urine.

Why: to determine risk of sexually acquired urethritis.

Why: large amounts of beetroot, red lollies or berries in diet can cause red discoloration of urine.

Why: recent overseas travel may suggest bilharzias or other parasites.

Why: anticoagulants, cyclophosphamide.

Why: renal stones (most likely), renal embolism, kidney contusion (bruising from trauma), kidney laceration, glomerulonephritis, renal cancer or polycystic kidneys.

Why: suggests a bladder stone, prostatic disease, urinary tract infection or renal infarction. If painless blood in the urine can suggest urinary tract infection or trauma, tumors or polycystic kidneys.

Why: suggests pyelonephritis (most likely), lupus erythematosus, infective endocarditis with emboli to kidneys.

Why: e.g. slow weak urine stream, terminal dribbling of urine - may suggest cause of blood in urine is from rupture of enlarged prostatic veins due to prostatic enlargement.

Why: e.g. extensive skin bruising, bleeding gums, bleeding nose, heavy menstrual periods, rectal bleeding and painful swollen joints.

Why: E.g fever, malaise, tiredness, Raynaud's syndrome, butterfly shaped facial rash.

Why: symptoms of anemia, malaise, susceptibility to infections (such as sore throat, mouth ulceration and chest infections), easy bruising, gum enlargement.