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Urine Fine Granular Casts — Microscopic Examination

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

A urine microscopy test that looks for fine granular casts, tiny structures that can form in kidney tubules and may be associated with dehydration or kidney injury.

Quick summary

["Fine granular casts in urine may result from dehydration or exercise, but they can also occur with kidney injury and require clinical interpretation."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
32176-0
Short code
Fine Gran Casts UrnS Ql Micro
Synonyms
Fine 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 a urine sample under a microscope to look for fine granular casts. Casts are cylindrical structures that form inside the kidney tubules and are passed into the urine.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may order this test as part of a urinalysis or when evaluating kidney problems, urinary symptoms, or changes in kidney function. It may also be used to assess the cause of an abnormal urine sediment result.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected and examined under a microscope. The laboratory looks for the characteristic appearance and amount of fine granular casts and reports the finding along with other urine microscopic findings when available.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the laboratory's urine-collection instructions, which may include providing a clean-catch, midstream sample in a sterile container. Tell the clinician about recent strenuous exercise, fever, dehydration, medicines, or supplements, as these can affect the findings.

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 fine granular casts

Frequently asked questions

What does a fine granular cast mean?
It is a small cylindrical structure made of cellular debris that formed in a kidney tubule. Its presence alone does not establish a diagnosis.
Can exercise cause fine granular casts?
Yes. Strenuous exercise and dehydration can temporarily cause these casts, so recent activity should be discussed with the clinician.
Does this test diagnose kidney failure?
No. It is one part of urine evaluation and must be interpreted together with kidney-function tests, other urinalysis results, and your clinical condition.
  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