The differential diagnosis of haematuria is not always easy. It is essential to assess always whether it is of renal or postrenal origin. In this differentiating examination of the urinary sediment use of a microscope with phase contrast is helpful. In the child population usually haematuria of renal origin predominates. The spectrum of postrenal causes of haematurias can be also quite broad and in some instances it is necessary to use for the final diagnosis all available auxiliary examinations. The authors mention a clinical observation where haematuria was caused by a foreign body in the urethra.

        Key words: haematuria, differential diagnosis, foreign body, child age