Microscopic haematuria

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Microscopic haematuria is rare before the age of 50 (occurring in fewer than one in 100 people of this age); after 50 the prevalence rises sharply and varies from 2% to 18% 1 2 (with some of this variation explained by different definitions). The commonly used dipstick test gives a yes or no answer to the question of whether microscopic haematuria is present and semiquantitative information at the same time. Comparing its results with those of standard microscopic evaluation of urinary sediments, one representative study found a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 60%.3 The relatively high frequency of false positive results of dipstick tests may be due to the technique's detection of normal numbers of red cells (1-2×1012/1 urine). The consensus is that if the result of a dipstick test is positive then the urinary sediment should be examined; if the result of a dipstick test is negative no further investigation is needed.