Epithelial Casts [#/area] in Urine by Microscopy
A urine microscopy test that looks for epithelial casts, which are small structures formed from cells lining the urinary tract or kidney tubules.
["Epithelial casts in urine may indicate irritation or injury of the urinary tract, but results must be interpreted with the rest of the urinalysis."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 45386-0
- Short code
- Epith Casts #/area UrnS HPF
- Synonyms
- Epith Casts #/area UrnS HPF
- 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-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 urine under a microscope to detect epithelial casts. These are tiny cylinder-shaped structures that can form from epithelial cells shed by the kidney tubules or other parts of the urinary tract.
Why might I need this test?
This test is usually part of a routine urinalysis or urine sediment examination. A clinician may review it when evaluating kidney or urinary tract symptoms, such as painful urination, blood in the urine, swelling, fever, or changes in urination.
How is the test performed?
A laboratory technician spins the urine to concentrate the sediment, places a small amount on a microscope slide, and examines it for cells, casts, crystals, and other material. The report may describe epithelial casts as present or report their number relative to the microscopic field.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually required. When possible, follow your clinician's instructions about collecting a clean-catch, midstream urine sample, and bring or refrigerate the sample promptly if directed.
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 epithelial casts
Frequently asked questions
What are epithelial casts?
Do epithelial casts always mean there is kidney damage?
Does this test require a separate blood or imaging test?
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