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Macrophage Count in Urine (Qualitative)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test checks for the presence of macrophages in your urine, which may indicate inflammation, infection, or other conditions affecting your urinary tract or kidneys.

Quick summary

["Macrophages in urine can signal potential urinary or kidney issues that need further evaluation."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
72220-7
Short code
Macrophages #/area UrnS HPF
Synonyms
Macrophages #/area UrnS HPF
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-hpf
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 Does This Test Measure?

Macrophages are white blood cells that help fight infections and remove debris. When they appear in urine, it often suggests an underlying issue like a urinary tract infection, kidney inflammation, or other systemic conditions. This test is qualitative, meaning it only tells you if macrophages are present rather than how many.

Why Might You Need This Test?

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like frequent urination, pain during urination, blood in urine, fever, or unexplained weight loss. It can also be part of evaluating kidney function or diagnosing conditions like interstitial nephritis or certain types of infections.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is typically needed. You may be asked to collect a midstream urine sample in a clean container. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.

What to Expect During the Test

The test involves examining a small sample of your urine under a microscope. The healthcare professional will look for the presence of macrophages among other cells and substances.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance: Macrophages in Urine

Short name

Urine Macrophage Screening

Frequently asked questions

What does a positive result mean?
A positive result (presence of macrophages) can indicate conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney inflammation, or other inflammatory processes. However, it is not definitive on its own and may require additional testing to determine the exact cause.
What does a negative result mean?
A negative result means no macrophages were detected in the urine sample. This does not rule out other possible causes of symptoms and may still warrant further evaluation by your healthcare provider.
How often should this test be repeated?
If you have ongoing symptoms or a suspected condition, your healthcare provider may recommend repeating this test or additional tests to better understand the underlying issue.
  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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy