Skip to content

Coarse Granular Casts, Urine Sediment — Microscopy

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

Microscopic examination of urine sediment to detect coarse granular casts, which can form in the kidney tubules during certain types of kidney injury.

Quick summary

["This urine microscopy test checks for coarse granular casts that may accompany chronic kidney or tubular disease."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
32175-2
Short code
Coarse Gran Casts UrnS Ql Micro
Synonyms
Coarse Gran Casts UrnS Ql Micro
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
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 urine sediment under a microscope to look for coarse granular casts. These are small structures made of proteins and cellular material that form inside kidney tubules.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may order urine microscopy to evaluate kidney function, investigate suspected kidney damage, or monitor people with known kidney or urinary tract conditions. It is often interpreted with other urine and blood test results.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected, usually by the clean-catch method, and prepared so that the sediment can be examined under a microscope. The laboratory reports whether coarse granular casts are present.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the laboratory's urine collection instructions, which may include collecting a clean-catch sample and delivering it promptly. Tell the clinician if you recently started or stopped medicines, especially medicines that may affect the kidneys.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: urine

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 the same as other types of casts?
No. Granular casts are classified by the appearance of their contents, and coarse granular casts are a particular form. Other urine casts can have different clinical associations.
Does finding these casts confirm that I have kidney disease?
No. Finding coarse granular casts can support concern for kidney injury, but the result is not diagnostic by itself and is interpreted alongside the rest of the urinalysis and clinical evaluation.
Can this test be repeated?
Yes. It is a routine urine microscopy test, and repeat testing may be done to monitor an existing kidney condition or reassess an abnormal result.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy