What are the causes of occult blood in urine tests?

The presence of occult blood in urine, medically known as microscopic hematuria, may be caused by various factors. The following are some common causes: 1. Urinary tract infections: Such as urethritis, cystitis, or pyelonephritis, bacterial infections may cause inflammation of the urinary mucosa, resulting in hematuria. 2. Kidney stones or urinary tract stones: Stones moving through the urinary tract can scrape the urinary tract walls, causing bleeding. 3. Kidney diseases: For example, glomerulonephritis, where damage to the kidney's filtration membrane allows red blood cells to leak into the urine. 4. Tumors: Tumors in the bladder, kidney, or ureter may cause hematuria, especially painless, persistent hematuria which should be taken seriously. 5. Benign prostatic hyperplasia: In males, prostate enlargement may compress the urethra, causing hematuria. 6. Vigorous exercise: Prolonged or high-intensity exercise can sometimes cause minor damage to glomerular blood vessels, resulting in transient hematuria. 7. Medication effects: Certain medications, such as anticoagulants, may also cause occult blood in urine. 8. Trauma: Injury to the abdomen or pelvis may damage urinary organs, causing hematuria. Upon detecting occult blood in the urine, timely medical consultation and detailed examinations are necessary, including urinalysis, urine protein test, B-ultrasound, CT, or MRI. Additionally, maintaining adequate fluid intake helps cleanse the urinary tract.