Home testing for blood in urine

Blood may be visible as pink, red, or brown urine, or detected only by a dipstick. Causes include a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, kidney infection, prostate inflammation or enlargement, and medicines or strenuous activity. Less commonly, urinary cancers or inherited conditions can be involved. The appearance of urine cannot identify the cause, and a strip result can be affected by how the sample was collected.

Follow the kit instructions, use a clean sample container, and check the expiry date. Record the result and any pain, burning, fever, urgency, clots, or change in urine flow. Arrange a medical review for visible blood or a repeated positive strip, even if you feel well. A clinician may repeat the urine test, send it to a laboratory, examine you, and choose imaging or other tests based on your age, symptoms, and history. Do not start leftover antibiotics.

Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, blood clots that stop urine flow, severe side or back pain, fever with urinary symptoms, vomiting, faintness, or inability to pass urine. These features can signal a blocked urinary tract or infection needing prompt treatment. New visible blood should not be dismissed because it is painless.

Should my urine be sent for laboratory testing? Could my medicines or recent exercise affect the result? Do my symptoms suggest a stone, infection, prostate problem, or need for further investigation?