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Amorphcryurnsqlmicro

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A urine test that examines sediment under a microscope to detect the presence of amorphous (shapeless) crystals.

Quick summary

{"The test looks for tiny crystal particles in urine using a microscope","Amorphous crystals are common and often harmless, but may indicate diet or hydration changes","Results help doctors evaluate kidney function and urinary tract health","High levels may be associated with kidney stones or metabolic conditions","The test is part of routine urinalysis and requires no special preparation"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
60340-7
Short code
Amorph Cry UrnS Ql Micro
Synonyms
Amorph Cry UrnS Ql Micro
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
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?

The Amorphous Crystals in Urine test is a microscopic examination of urine sediment. After urine is centrifuged, the sediment is placed under a light microscope to look for amorphous crystals—tiny, shapeless crystal particles that have no defined structure. These crystals appear as fine granular material and are composed of various substances like phosphates (amorphous phosphates) or urates (amorphous urates).

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected (usually mid-stream clean-catch) and sent to a laboratory. The sample is spun in a centrifuge to separate solid particles from liquid. The sediment is then examined under a light microscope by a trained technologist who identifies and reports the presence of amorphous crystals along with other elements like red blood cells, white blood cells, and epithelial cells.

Why is this test done?

This test is typically part of a routine urinalysis and may be ordered when a patient has symptoms such as painful urination, flank pain, blood in urine, or frequent urinary tract infections. It helps healthcare providers evaluate kidney function, detect urinary tract abnormalities, and monitor conditions that may lead to kidney stone formation.

Understanding your results

Results are typically reported as 'present' or 'absent' or may be semi-quantified (rare, few, moderate, many). The presence of amorphous crystals alone is often a normal finding, especially if it's amorphous phosphates, which are common in alkaline urine. Amorphous urates may appear in acidic urine. Your doctor will interpret results in context with other urinalysis findings and your overall health condition.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Does finding amorphous crystals mean I have kidney stones?
Not necessarily. Amorphous crystals are common and often appear sporadically due to diet, hydration, or urine pH changes. They are different from the structured crystals that form true kidney stones. However, if you have recurrent crystals, your doctor may recommend further testing to evaluate your kidney stone risk.
Do I need to fast before this test?
No special preparation is typically required. However, your doctor may ask you to fast if other blood tests are being done simultaneously. Stay well-hydrated unless otherwise instructed, and inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you're taking.
What does it mean if I have both amorphous phosphates and amorphous urates?
Finding both types is unusual since they form in opposite urine pH conditions (phosphates in alkaline, urates in acidic). This may indicate mixed urine pH or may suggest dietary influences. Your doctor will interpret this finding along with other urinalysis components.
Can my diet affect the results?
Yes, diet can significantly impact crystal formation. High purine foods (like red meat, organ meats, seafood) may increase amorphous urates. High intake of dairy, fruits, and vegetables may affect phosphate levels. Staying well-hydrated helps dilute urine and reduce crystal formation.
Is this test painful?
No, the test involves analyzing a urine sample you provide. The collection process is painless, similar to a routine urine test. Some patients may experience brief discomfort during collection if they have a urinary tract infection, but the test itself does not cause pain.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - Urine TestSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic - UrinalysisSource
  3. 3
    American Kidney Fund - Understanding UrinalysisSource

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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy