Asymptomatic microscopic hematuria revisited.

The literature states that asymptomatic microscopic hematuria (AMH) is a sensitive indicator of underlying pathology and deserves investigation. However, studies to date have been done on urological outpatients and, because of referral and sampling bias, the findings may not be applicable to a family practice population. The positive predictive value of AMH may be very low in a family practice. The recommended investigations are invasive, expensive, and cause morbidity and mortality. Further studies must examine the significance of AMH in the general population. Such studies would help to identify at risk patients and, perhaps, allow investigations to be tailored to these patients, while the physician maintains a high degree of suspicion and keeps a watchful eye on the others.