New research has highlighted the critical importance of rapid diagnosis and treatment for patients presenting at Accident & Emergency (A&E) with visible blood in their urine, a condition known medically as haematuria. The study reveals a concerning statistic: one in ten patients attending A&E with this symptom die within three months, with approximately one in four being diagnosed with cancer, most commonly bladder cancer. Experts emphasize that a simple scan, such as a CT scan or cystoscopy, performed within 48 hours could significantly reduce this risk and improve survival chances.

The WASHOUT study, presented at the European Association of Urology Congress 2026, analyzed data from over 8,500 patients across 380 hospitals worldwide. Its findings underscore that timely investigation is crucial for better patient outcomes. Patients who did not receive appropriate tests or treatment were found to be 2.5 percent more likely to die within three months compared to those who did. Furthermore, these patients were also more prone to longer hospital stays and readmission for the same issue.

While around 25,000 people visit UK A&E departments annually due to blood in their urine, care varies widely. Globally, only about half of such patients receive a scan, and just a third undergo surgery, with others being discharged or admitted for observation. For those diagnosed with cancer, rapid testing proved invaluable: patients who received tests within 48 hours were diagnosed, on average, within one day, whereas those discharged without investigation waited approximately three weeks for a diagnosis.

Lead researcher Nikita Bhatt, a consultant urologist, stressed the significance of these findings, noting that haematuria is a common problem affecting thousands globally, often presenting in very unwell patients who can 'fall through the gaps' due to a lack of clear association with a specific disease. Bhatt urged both doctors to take necessary steps to identify the cause and patients not to ignore visible blood in their urine, advising them to seek medical attention promptly and persist until an answer is found.

Patient advocate Jacqueline Emeks, who developed sepsis after experiencing haematuria, reinforced that blood in the urine should trigger immediate action and not be treated with a 'watch and wait' approach. Professor Joost Boormans highlighted that timely tests can accelerate diagnosis, reduce readmission rates, and shorten hospital stays, thereby improving outcomes and easing pressure on healthcare systems.

Haematuria is defined as the presence of blood in the urine. It can be visible to the naked eye (gross haematuria) or only detectable through a simple urine test (microscopic haematuria). Common causes of haematuria include infections, kidney stones, tumours in the bladder or kidney, harmless leakage from the bladder area, and inflammation in the kidney. These conditions are typically investigated using urine samples for infection, ultrasound scans of the kidneys, and internal bladder examinations with a flexible tube (cystoscopy).