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Blood in the urine (hematuria) in children

Healthwise
By Jan Nissl, RN, BS

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Blood in the urine (hematuria) is not common in children and may be a sign of an infection, a kidney problem, or an injury. The blood may either be seen with the naked eye (gross hematuria) or seen only when the urine sample is examined under a microscope.

It is very common for newborns, within the first 10 days of life, to pass some pink urine. This is caused by crystals that appear in the urine of newborns. Also, during the first 10 days of life, girls may have pink urine from a small amount of normal vaginal bleeding. You will notice a pink color to your baby's wet diaper in both cases.

Note: If no other urinary symptoms are present, a slight change in urine color could be from eating beets or other red foods.

Credits

Author Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Peter Anderson, MD, FRCS(C) - Pediatric Urology
Last Updated April 30, 2007
Last Updated: 04/30/2007