Skip to content

Granular Casts, Urine Sediment — Count per Low-Power Field

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

A urine sediment microscopy test that counts granular casts, which are small structures formed in the kidney's filtering units.

Quick summary

["Granular casts in urine may occur with dehydration or exercise, but persistent findings can also indicate kidney injury or disease."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
5793-5
Short code
Gran Casts #/area UrnS LPF
Synonyms
Gran Casts #/area UrnS LPF
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-lpf
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 sediment under a microscope to count granular casts per low-power field. Granular casts are tiny structures made of proteins and cellular material that form inside the kidney's filtering units.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may order this test as part of a urinalysis or kidney evaluation, especially when there are symptoms such as swelling, changes in urination, or unexplained abnormalities in kidney function tests. It can also help assess the kidney's response to treatment.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected and prepared so that the sediment can be viewed under a microscope. The laboratory reports the number of granular casts observed per low-power field and includes this result with other urine findings.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the collection instructions provided by your healthcare professional, which may include a clean-catch urine sample. Tell the laboratory if you are pregnant, have a urinary tract infection, or recently took medicines that may affect the urine results.

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 granular casts

Frequently asked questions

Are granular casts in urine always a sign of kidney disease?
No. They can be temporary, particularly after exercise or during dehydration, although persistent findings may warrant further evaluation of kidney function.
What are granular casts?
They are small structures formed inside the kidney's filtering units from proteins and breakdown material. They are identified by examining the sediment of a urine sample under a microscope.
Does this test require fasting?
Fasting is generally not required, but follow your clinician's instructions. Urine collection timing and recent exercise or illness can influence the result, so the laboratory should be given relevant context.
  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