Non-visible haematuria: would discontinuing urgent investigation have a visible impact?

ABSTRACT

National guidance in the UK continues to recommend urgent referral of selected patients with non-visible haematuria for urological assessment. The positive predictive value of non-visible haematuria for urological cancer is low, so it is uncertain whether this is an effective and equitable use of healthcare resources. This article considers rationales for and against continuing this practice, and outlines alternative investigative strategies for patients presenting with non-visible haematuria based on current knowledge and modern technology.