Haematuria is a fairly common problem in general practice with a higher incidence in patients over 40 years old. In adults the reported prevalence of microscopic haematuria varies considerably, ranging from 1 to 20% and is highest in men over 60 years old.³ In younger adults haematuria, particularly if it is transient, may have no obvious underlying cause. In contrast, persistent haematuria may herald the first presentation of serious urological or renal disease and there is an increased risk of malignancy in older patients. Nevertheless, in many patients no diagnosis for haematuria is established despite extensive investigation.