RAPID DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE FOR PATIENTS WITH HEMATURIA

Objective To assess the feasibility of a clinic for the investigation of haematuria, with open access to general practitioners. Patients and methods A total of 395 patients (198 men and 197 women), with mean age 51 years (range 19-73), were referred from 13 general practitioner clinics. All investigations were performed at the patient's first visit at which time either a provisional or a definitive diagnosis was made. Results Urinary tract infection was the most common diagnosis. Of all the patients, 43 (11%) had a malignancy of whom nine presented with microscopic haematuria. Fifty-nine per cent of patients were discharged after their first visit and 26% were placed on the waiting list for in-patient procedures. Conclusion An open access clinic such as this is efficient and easily run. The high incidence of pathological abnormalities makes it a worthwhile facility.