Urinalysis with Microscopic Examination of Sediment (Microscopic Urine Analysis)
This test examines your urine under a microscope to check for cells, crystals, bacteria, or other substances that may indicate infections, kidney issues, or other health problems.
["A microscopic urine check helps identify hidden problems in your urinary system or overall health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 20453-7
- Short code
- Epi Cells UrnS Ql Micro
- Synonyms
- Epi Cells UrnS Ql Micro
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- microscopy-light
- 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 Does the Microscopic Urine Sediment Test Look For?
Your urine sample is examined for various components, including red blood cells (hematuria), white blood cells (pyuria), bacteria (infection), crystals (kidney stones), casts (kidney or urinary tract damage), and other particles that may signal underlying conditions.
How Is This Test Performed?
A small amount of your urine is collected in a clean container. The sample is then sent to a lab where it is examined under a microscope by trained professionals to identify cells, crystals, or other abnormalities.
Why Might This Test Be Ordered?
Doctors may recommend this test to diagnose or monitor conditions like urinary tract infections, kidney disease, bladder infections, kidney stones, or to check for signs of systemic diseases affecting the urinary system.
What Are Common Findings?
Common findings include the presence of red blood cells (which may indicate bleeding in the urinary tract or kidneys), white blood cells (often linked to infections), bacteria (confirming a urinary tract infection), or crystals (potentially linked to kidney stones). Other findings may include casts, which can signal kidney damage or disease.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: This test plays a critical role in diagnosing and managing urinary tract infections, kidney diseases, and other conditions affecting the urinary system. Early detection of abnormalities can lead to timely treatment and better health outcomes.
Short name
Microscopic Urine Sediment
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can I prepare for this test in any way?
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