Granular Casts, Urine Sediment — Microscopic Examination
A urine microscopy test that checks for granular casts, which are kidney-related structures that may be seen with dehydration or kidney injury.
["Granular casts in urine may reflect dehydration or kidney stress and are interpreted alongside other urine and blood test findings."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 46134-3
- Short code
- Gran Casts #/area UrnS HPF
- Synonyms
- Gran Casts #/area UrnS HPF
- 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-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 a urine sample under a microscope to look for granular casts. These small structures form inside kidney tubules and can enter the urine.
Why might I need this test?
Urine microscopy may be ordered to evaluate kidney function, investigate changes in urination, or assess possible kidney injury. Granular casts can occasionally be seen after strenuous exercise or with dehydration.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected and the sediment is examined under a microscope. The laboratory may report whether granular casts are present or provide a microscopy count or estimate, depending on the method used.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your healthcare professional's collection instructions, which may include providing a clean-catch urine sample. Drinking enough fluid and avoiding vigorous exercise shortly before collection may reduce the chance of dehydration-related findings, but do not change fluid intake unless instructed.
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.
Granular casts may be found with dehydration, intense exercise, or kidney stress and do not always indicate permanent kidney damage. Persistent or increasing numbers, especially with blood, protein, abnormal kidney function tests, or other abnormal urine findings, may warrant further evaluation by a healthcare professional.
Short name
Urine granular casts
Frequently asked questions
Are granular casts always a sign of kidney disease?
Does this test diagnose a specific kidney condition?
Can I influence the result with hydration?
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