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Understanding Your Laboratory Test: What It Is, How It Is Done, and Why You May Need It

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test looks for ammonium urate crystals in your urine using a microscope to help diagnose certain kidney and metabolic conditions.

Quick summary

{"Ammonium urate crystals can form in urine when uric acid combines with ammonia","These crystals may indicate conditions like gout, kidney stones, or urinary tract infections","The test involves examining urine sediment under a microscope","Results help doctors evaluate kidney function and metabolic health","Presence of crystals does not always mean disease - diet and hydration matter"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
5766-1
Short code
Amm Urate Cry UrnS Ql Micro
Synonyms
Amm Urate Cry UrnS Ql Micro
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Ref low
3.5
Ref high
7.2
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
microscopy-light
Specimen volume
10 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test, and what does it measure in my body?

The Ammonium Urate Crystals test is a urine analysis that looks for tiny crystals called ammonium urate in your urine sample. A laboratory technician examines your urine under a microscope to see if these crystals are present. Ammonium urate crystals form when uric acid (a waste product from breaking down certain foods) combines with ammonia (a waste product from protein breakdown) in your urine.

How is this test performed, and what can I expect during the procedure?

You will provide a urine sample, typically collected in a sterile container. For the best results, your doctor may ask you to collect the first morning urine, as it is more concentrated. The sample is then spun in a machine to separate the solid parts (sediment) from the liquid. The sediment is placed on a microscope slide and examined to identify any crystals, including ammonium urate crystals.

Why might I need this test, and what health conditions can it help detect?

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms suggesting kidney problems, such as pain during urination, blood in urine, or frequent urinary tract infections. It may also be ordered if you have symptoms of gout (joint pain and swelling) or if your doctor suspects you have kidney stones. The test helps evaluate how well your kidneys are filtering waste products from your blood.

Reference range

NCBI: Uric Acid Male 3.5-7.2 mg/dL; Female 2.5-6.8 mg/dLN/A

Specimen: urine

No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Is finding ammonium urate crystals in my urine serious?
Not necessarily. Small amounts of crystals can sometimes be found in healthy people, especially if you are dehydrated or have recently eaten certain foods. Your doctor will consider your overall health, symptoms, and other test results to determine if further testing or treatment is needed.
Do I need to fast before this test?
Your doctor may ask you to fast (not eat) for a certain period before providing the urine sample. Follow your doctor's specific instructions. Staying well-hydrated is usually recommended, unless otherwise directed.
Can diet affect the results?
Yes. Foods high in purines (such as red meat, organ meats, seafood, and some vegetables like asparagus and mushrooms) can increase uric acid in your urine. Alcohol consumption and certain medications can also affect results. Follow any dietary instructions provided by your doctor.
What happens if ammonium urate crystals are found?
If crystals are found, your doctor may recommend additional tests to determine the cause. This could include blood tests to check uric acid levels, kidney function tests, or imaging studies to check for kidney stones. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include dietary changes, increased fluid intake, or medications.
Are ammonium urate crystals the same as kidney stones?
Not exactly. Ammonium urate crystals are tiny formations that can be seen under a microscope. When these crystals accumulate and grow larger, they can form kidney stones (calculi). Finding crystals in urine may indicate a higher risk of developing kidney stones, but not everyone with crystals will develop stones.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - Urine CrystalsSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic - GoutSource
  3. 3
    National Kidney Foundation - Kidney StonesSource
  4. 4
    ARUP Consult - Urine CrystalsSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy