Broad Casts, Urine — Semiquantitative Microscopy, Low-Power Field
A urine microscopy test that looks for broad casts, which are patterns formed inside kidney tubules and may be reported per microscope field or area.
["Broad casts in urine can be a sign of reduced kidney function, especially chronic kidney disease."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 18487-9
- Short code
- Broad Casts #/area UrnS LPF
- Synonyms
- Broad Casts #/area UrnS LPF
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- microscopy-light-lpf
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- 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 examines a urine sample under a microscope to look for broad casts. Casts are cylindrical structures made from proteins and other material that form inside the kidney's filtering tubules.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order urine microscopy as part of a kidney evaluation, particularly when there are symptoms such as swelling, reduced urination, or changes in urine color. The test may also help assess the course of an existing kidney condition.
How is the test performed?
The urine is viewed under a microscope, and the laboratory checks for different types of casts. Broad casts may be reported using a microscope field or area, depending on the laboratory's method.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's collection instructions. Urine microscopy is commonly performed using a clean-catch sample, and the specimen should be delivered promptly because cells and casts can change after collection.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Broad casts, sometimes called waxy casts, may occur when kidney filtering units are significantly damaged or when urine becomes highly concentrated. They can be associated with advanced or chronic kidney disease, although they are not specific to one condition. Results should be interpreted with the rest of the urinalysis, kidney function tests, and your medical history.
Short name
Broad casts in urine
Frequently asked questions
What are broad casts?
What does a positive result mean?
Does one result confirm chronic kidney disease?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy