Coarse Granular Casts, Urine — Microscopic Semi-quantitative Count per High-Power Field
A urine microscopy test that measures coarse granular casts, which are structures formed in the kidney's microscopic tubules.
["Coarse granular casts in urine are a nonspecific finding that may occur with kidney stress or kidney disease and should be interpreted with other results."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33226-2
- Short code
- Coarse Gran Casts #/area UrnS HPF
- Synonyms
- Coarse Gran Casts #/area UrnS HPF
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- 0.5 N/A – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- microscopy-light-hpf
- 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 detect and estimate the number of coarse granular casts. These casts are small structures made of material and cellular debris that form inside the kidney's filtering tubules.
Why might I need this test?
Urine microscopy may be ordered during a routine urinalysis or to evaluate symptoms such as swelling, changes in urination, foamy urine, or suspected kidney problems. The result is one part of an overall assessment of kidney and urinary tract health.
How is the test performed?
A urine specimen is examined by microscopy, and coarse granular casts are reported as a semi-quantitative count, generally in relation to microscopic high-power fields. The sample is usually collected as a clean-catch, midstream urine specimen.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's collection instructions, which may include cleaning the genital area and collecting a midstream sample in a sterile container. Tell your clinician if you have recently taken antibiotics, had a urinary infection, or are menstruating, as these factors can affect urine findings.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Urine Coarse Granular Casts
Frequently asked questions
Are coarse granular casts always a sign of kidney disease?
What does a high-power field mean?
Can this test be performed at home?
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