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Mixed Cell Casts, Urine Sediment — Microscopy, Count per High-Power Field

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

A urine microscopy test that counts mixed cellular casts in the sediment, usually reported per high-power field. These casts contain more than one type of cell.

Quick summary

["Mixed cell casts in urine may be a sign of inflammation or injury within the kidneys."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
53848-8
Short code
Mixed Cell Casts #/area UrnS HPF
Synonyms
Mixed Cell Casts #/area UrnS HPF
Category
liver
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 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 detect and count mixed cell casts. Casts are small structures formed in the kidney tubules; mixed cell casts contain more than one type of cell, such as red and white blood cells.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may order this test as part of a urinalysis when there are symptoms or laboratory findings suggesting a kidney or urinary tract problem. It may be used alongside other urine tests and kidney function tests to help evaluate inflammation, particularly involving the glomeruli or other parts of the nephron.

How is the test performed?

A fresh urine specimen is processed and the sediment is examined under a microscope. The laboratory counts the mixed cell casts and may report the result as the number seen per high-power field.

How do I prepare for the test?

No fasting is usually required. Follow the laboratory's collection instructions, which may include providing a clean-catch, midstream urine sample in a sterile container. Be sure to tell the clinician if you have recently had a urinary tract infection, kidney symptoms, or menstrual bleeding.

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

Mixed Cell Casts, Urine

Frequently asked questions

What are mixed cell casts?
They are urine structures made of different cell types, often including red and white blood cells, that formed inside the kidney tubules.
Do mixed cell casts always mean I have a serious kidney disease?
No. They can suggest kidney inflammation, but the finding must be interpreted with your other test results and clinical information.
What other tests may be reviewed with this result?
Clinicians commonly consider urinalysis findings, urine protein or blood measurements, kidney function tests, and symptoms when interpreting mixed cell casts.
  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