Red Blood Cell Morphology with Qualitative Evaluation of Anisocytosis and Poikilocytosis (Urinalysis)
This test examines red blood cells (RBCs) in your urine to check for abnormal shapes and sizes, which may indicate underlying health conditions.
["Abnormal RBC shapes in urine can signal kidney issues or other systemic problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58444-1
- Short code
- Dysmorphic RBC UrnS Ql Micro
- Synonyms
- Dysmorphic RBC UrnS Ql Micro
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- microscopy-light
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- 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 This Test Measures
The test evaluates red blood cells (RBCs) for two key abnormalities: **anisocytosis** (variation in RBC size) and **poikilocytosis** (variation in RBC shape). These changes can appear in urine due to kidney damage, bleeding disorders, or other conditions affecting RBC production or function.
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like blood in urine, frequent urination, or signs of kidney problems. It helps assess whether RBC abnormalities are linked to urinary tract issues or systemic diseases.
Possible Causes
Abnormal RBCs in urine can result from conditions such as kidney disease, urinary tract infections, hemolytic anemia, or certain medications. The presence of these cells may also indicate bleeding in the urinary tract.
What to Expect
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a urine sample, which is then analyzed under a microscope to detect RBC morphology. Results are qualitative (descriptive rather than numerical).
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Detecting abnormal RBCs in urine can signal kidney dysfunction, urinary tract bleeding, or systemic disorders like hemolytic anemia. Early identification may prompt further testing (e.g., blood work, imaging) to diagnose underlying causes and guide treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can diet affect this test?
How long does it take to get 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy