What is the significance of occult blood versus gross blood in urine?

Answer 1

Occult blood in urine refers to small amounts of blood that are not visible to the naked eye but can be detected through laboratory tests, indicating potential underlying issues such as infections, kidney stones, or tumors. Gross blood, on the other hand, is visible blood in urine, often indicating more severe conditions like trauma, significant infections, or malignancies. The distinction is important for diagnosis and guiding further investigation and treatment. Overall, both types of blood in urine signal the need for medical evaluation, but gross blood typically suggests a more urgent concern.