What does hematuria refer to?

Hematuria specifically refers to the presence of blood in the urine, which can indicate various medical conditions affecting the urinary tract, kidneys, or bladder. The detection of hematuria can be essential in diagnosing issues such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or more serious conditions like bladder or kidney cancer. Recognizing this term can assist healthcare professionals in directing their diagnostic efforts and managing the underlying causes effectively.

Other options do not align with the definition of hematuria. For example, the presence of blood in feces relates to a different medical condition and is termed hematochezia or melena, while excessive bleeding in the body would be referred to as hemorrhage. An increase in white blood cell count is known as leukocytosis, not hematuria. Understanding this distinction is crucial in medical terminology and diagnosis.