The presence of blood in urine that is not visibly apparent is termed non-visible hematuria. This condition is detected through laboratory testing, typically a urine dipstick test, which identifies the presence of hemoglobin or red blood cells. A positive result on this test indicates that blood is present, even though the urine appears normal to the naked eye.
The identification of this condition is clinically significant as it can be an indicator of underlying medical issues. These issues may range from relatively benign conditions, such as strenuous exercise or certain medications, to more serious pathologies, including infections, kidney stones, or even malignancies of the urinary tract. Consequently, the detection of this condition usually prompts further investigation to determine the root cause.
