Urine Microscopic Examination for Cellular Composition (Bladder Cells)
This test examines cells collected from your bladder under a microscope to check for abnormalities, such as cancer cells or inflammation.
["A microscopic urine check can help diagnose bladder issues or rule out cancer."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 11278-9
- Short code
- BLADCEL
- Synonyms
- Bladder Cells #/area UrnS HPF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine collection container or yellow-top urine transport tube (BD Vacutainer)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- microscopy-light-hpf
- CPT
- 81015
- SNOMED
- 167221008
- Specimen volume
- 10-50 mL of freshly voided urine; minimum 5 mL for sediment analysis
- Stability
- 1-2 hours at room temperature; up to 24 hours refrigerated at 2-8°C; specimen should be analyzed as soon as possible after collection to prevent cellular degradation
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 1–4 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like blood in urine, frequent urination, pain during urination, or if you’ve been diagnosed with bladder conditions. It’s also used to monitor treatment for bladder cancer or other urinary issues.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll provide a urine sample, typically collected in a clean container. The sample is then sent to a lab for microscopic analysis. No special preparation is usually needed, but follow any instructions your provider gives you.
Possible Findings and Their Meanings
The test looks for different cell types, including white blood cells (indicating infection), red blood cells (possible bleeding), or abnormal cells (like those seen in cancer). Normal results mean no obvious abnormalities are found in the sample.
How the Results Are Interpreted
Results are reviewed by a trained lab professional or pathologist. They’ll compare the findings to your symptoms and medical history. Abnormal results may lead to further testing, like a biopsy or additional imaging.
Reference range
Few or rare bladder epithelial cells per HPF; occasional presence is generally considered within normal limits for healthy individualsN/A
No fasting required. Patients should follow standard midstream clean-catch urine collection technique. Avoid contamination with external genital secretions. Women should clean the periurethral area before collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Urine Cytology (Bladder Cells)
Frequently asked questions
What does this test measure?
What are the normal results?
How soon will I get my results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy