Canadian guidelines for the management of asymptomatic microscopic hematuria in adults

Microscopic hematuria is a frequent reason for referral to urology. It is often found incidentally as a result of routine examination in patients without urinary tract symptoms. Although there is generally no debate about the need to fully investigate patients with gross hematuria, there is often controversy regarding the approach to the patient with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. The main issues disputed are related to the detection and definition of significant microscopic hematuria, which patients should be investigated, and how should they be evaluated. In 1998, the Canadian Urological Association published patient guidelines for asymptomatic hematuria.1 A decade has passed since the initial development of these principles. Thus, the CUA Patient Guidelines Committee has been given the mandate from the CUA to update the asymptomatic microscopic hematuria patient guidelines.