Research led by SVUH consultant highlights importance of early investigation for patients with blood in urine
18th March 2026
Research led by Ms Nikita Bhatt, Consultant Urologist at St Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH) has highlighted the importance of early investigation for patients who present to emergency departments with visible blood in their urine, a symptom that can be a warning sign of serious underlying conditions including bladder cancer.
The international WASHOUT study, presented at the European Association of Urology Congress in London, analysed data from more than 8,500 patients across 380 hospitals worldwide and found that timely investigation within 48 hours can significantly improve patient outcomes.
The study also found that around one in ten patients presenting to emergency departments with visible blood in their urine died within 90 days, highlighting the seriousness of the condition.
Visible blood in the urine, known as haematuria, is a common reason for patients to attend emergency departments. The study found that around one in four patients presenting with this symptom had an underlying cancer, most commonly bladder cancer.
Researchers also found that early investigative tests such as CT scans or cystoscopy helped doctors identify the cause of bleeding more quickly, leading to faster diagnosis and more appropriate treatment for patients.
Ms Bhatt said the findings highlight the need for clinicians to investigate the symptom promptly.
“This is the largest study exploring how we should treat people who present to emergency departments with blood in their urine,” she said.
“It’s a common problem affecting thousands of people around the world and these patients are often very unwell. Our findings show how important it is that doctors take the necessary steps to identify the cause quickly so that patients can receive the most appropriate care.”
For patients, the message is clear, she added.
“If you notice visible blood in your urine, it should never be ignored. Seek medical advice as soon as possible and ensure it is properly investigated.”
The WASHOUT study followed patients for 90 days after their arrival at emergency departments and examined factors including age, frailty and underlying health conditions.
Researchers are now working to incorporate the findings into clinical guidelines to help improve how emergency departments assess and manage patients presenting with haematuria.
The study forms part of a large international research collaboration aimed at improving outcomes for patients with urological conditions and is expected to inform future clinical guidelines for care.
-ENDS-
Notes to editor
According to the WASHOUT study, based on global figures, around 1 in 10 (11%) patients require high-dependency care upon admission and 2 in 10 (21%) require blood transfusion. Around 1 in 10 (9.2%) patients die within 90 days of presenting at A&E with blood in their urine.
Compared to patients who attended at the Emergency Department with visible blood in their urine and received investigative tests or appropriate treatment within 48 hours of arrival, patients who did not were likely to spend 5 extra days on average in hospital, were 3% more likely to be readmitted with the same problem within 90 days and were 2.5% more likely to die within the next 90 days.
The WASHOUT study: workup and management of patients with emergency haematuria across the world by Bhatt N.R., Byrnes K., Ippoliti S., Varma R., Jie Chow B., Mak Q., Kerdegari N., Asif A., Nathan A., Ng A., Ireland A., Cresswell J., Qaoud Y., Lavallee L., Phonde A., Madhavan K., Sarmah P.B., Nichols M., Green J., Ahmayda A., MacLennan G., Gallagher K., Khadhouri S., Kasivisvanathan V. was presented at EAU26 on Monday 16th March, 2026
About WASHOUT
WASHOUT (Ward AdmiSsion of Haematuria: an Observational mUlticentre sTudy) is part of British Urology Researchers in Surgical Training (BURST), a UK-based research collaborative that designs and delivers large-scale research studies in urology. https://bursturology.com/
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