Histiocyte count in urine (microscopic examination)
This test checks for the presence of abnormal white blood cells called histiocytes in your urine, which may indicate an infection, inflammation, or other underlying conditions in your urinary tract or kidneys.
["Histiocytes in urine can signal possible infections or kidney issues that need further evaluation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 38994-0
- Short code
- Histiocytes UrnS Ql Micro
- Synonyms
- Histiocytes 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
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like frequent urination, pain during urination, fever, or unexplained blood or pus in your urine. It’s also used to investigate conditions like kidney disease, urinary tract infections, or certain types of kidney stones.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll likely provide a urine sample in a clean container, often during a routine office visit or lab visit. If you’re using medications that could affect urine color or clarity, let your provider know.
What the Test Involves
A healthcare professional will collect a urine sample, which is then examined under a microscope to count histiocytes (a type of immune cell) among other cells. This is a simple, non-invasive procedure.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as a count of histiocytes per microliter of urine. Elevated counts may suggest inflammation, infection, or other conditions affecting your urinary system.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High levels of histiocytes in urine can indicate conditions such as urinary tract infections, interstitial nephritis (a type of kidney inflammation), or certain types of kidney disease. While histiocytes alone may not be diagnostic, they often prompt further testing to identify the root cause.
Short name
Urine Histiocyte Count
Frequently asked questions
What causes histiocytes to appear in urine?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I take anything to prepare for this 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy