Understanding Your Medical Test: What This Test Is, How It Is Performed, and What Your Results Mean for Your Health
This test examines urine under a microscope to detect the presence of urate crystals, which are tiny particles that can form when the body has high levels of uric acid.
{"Urate crystals are examined in urine sediment under a microscope","They may indicate high uric acid levels, gout, or risk of kidney stones","The test helps doctors evaluate kidney function and metabolic health","Results are more significant when symptoms like joint pain or kidney problems are present","Diet, hydration, and certain medications can affect crystal formation"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12454-5
- Short code
- Amorph Urate Cry UrnS Ql Micro
- Synonyms
- Amorph 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? This test is a diagnostic procedure that helps your healthcare provider evaluate your overall health, screen for certain conditions, and make informed decisions about the care that is right for you.
The urate crystals test is part of a urinalysis examination. A sample of your urine is examined under a microscope to look for amorphous (shapeless) urate crystals. These crystals form when there is a high concentration of uric acid in the urine. Uric acid is a natural waste product that is normally filtered out by the kidneys and passed in urine.
How is the test performed? The test is performed by a trained member of your care team, usually in an office or clinic setting. Your provider will explain each step before starting, and the procedure is typically quick and well tolerated.
A urine sample is collected, usually in the morning. The sample is then spun in a centrifuge to separate the solid particles (sediment) from the liquid. The sediment is placed on a slide and examined under a light microscope by a lab technician who looks for the presence and quantity of urate crystals.
Why might I need this test? Your doctor may recommend this test to help diagnose the cause of symptoms you are experiencing, monitor an ongoing health condition, or check how well your current treatment plan is working for you.
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms suggesting possible gout, kidney stones, or other conditions related to uric acid metabolism. Symptoms may include joint pain (especially in the big toe), flank pain, blood in urine, or frequent urination.
What do the results mean? Your results show whether your values fall within the expected normal range. Your healthcare provider will review them with you, explain what they mean for your health, and discuss any follow-up steps that may be needed.
The presence of urate crystals may be reported as 'present' or 'absent,' or may include a quantity estimate. Small amounts of urate crystals can sometimes be found in healthy individuals, especially in concentrated morning urine. Larger amounts may indicate increased risk for gout attacks, uric acid kidney stones, or kidney dysfunction.
Reference range
NCBI: Uric Acid Male 3.5-7.2 mg/dL; Female 2.5-6.8 mg/dLN/A
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.
The presence of urate crystals in urine sediment can indicate several health conditions. Elevated levels are commonly associated with gout, a form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystal deposits in joints. These crystals may also signal an increased risk for uric acid kidney stones, which can cause severe pain and urinary obstruction. In some cases, urate crystals may reflect high purine metabolism due to diet, genetic factors, or certain medications. The test is particularly useful when combined with blood uric acid measurements and clinical symptoms for a complete assessment of uric acid metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
Is the presence of urate crystals always dangerous?
How should I prepare for this test?
Can diet affect urate crystal formation?
What happens if urate crystals are found in my urine?
Does this test diagnose gout?
Sources
- 1MedlinePlus - UrinalysisSource
- 2Mayo Clinic - GoutSource
- 3
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.
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