What does haematuria mean?
Haematuria is the medical term for blood in urine. It may be visible to the naked eye, a sign called gross haematuria, or detectable only under a microscope, known as microscopic haematuria. In clinical use, the word identifies a finding rather than its cause: blood in the urine can arise from several different parts of the urinary system, so persistent or unexplained haematuria usually warrants further assessment. The term is formal and clinical rather than conversational, and it is more often used in medical reports, research, and patient explanations than in everyday speech. Knowing it helps distinguish the symptom of blood in urine from a diagnosis of the underlying condition. It is also a useful reminder that a precise medical description can identify what is observed without claiming what caused it.
nounThe presence of blood in urine, either visible to the naked eye (gross haematuria) or detectable only by testing (microscopic haematuria). It is a clinical finding and does not by itself identify the underlying cause.
- The medical condition of having blood in urine, whether visibly present or detected microscopically.
"Persistent haematuria requires further investigation, even when it is painless."
"The patient was referred for further evaluation after microscopic haematuria was detected in a routine urine test."
"Visible haematuria can be painless, which is why it should not be dismissed without medical assessment."
The plural is uncommon; in clinical writing, “cases of haematuria” is usually more natural.
"The clinician reviewed several haematurias to determine whether further investigation was needed."
Haematuria is a sign, not a diagnosis: blood in the urine can point to many different problems, so its cause needs investigation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does haematuria come from?
Haematuria comes from the Greek haima, meaning “blood,” and ouron, meaning “urine,” combined in the medical compound haimaturia. The word entered English through Latin medical terminology. Its British spelling preserves the ae digraph, while American English commonly uses hematuria.
How haematuria is actually used
This is a formal medical term, commonly used in clinical reports, research, and explanations to patients. It names an observed finding rather than its cause.