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Mixed Cell Casts, Urine — Semi-Quantitative Microscopy per Low-Power Field

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

Urine microscopy checks for mixed cell casts, structures that can reflect kidney inflammation or tubular injury. Results are interpreted with the rest of your urinalysis.

Quick summary

["Mixed cell casts in urine may signal kidney inflammation or injury but require clinical interpretation."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
38995-7
Short code
Mixed Cell Casts #/area UrnS LPF
Synonyms
Mixed Cell Casts #/area UrnS LPF
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-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 under a microscope for mixed cell casts. These are cylindrical structures made of urinary sediment, such as white blood cells, red blood cells, or epithelial cells, and are reported semi-quantitatively by low-power field.

Why might I need this test?

This test is usually part of a urinalysis performed to evaluate kidney function, urinary tract inflammation, or symptoms such as painful urination, fever, blood in the urine, or swelling. Your clinician may order it when another urine test suggests kidney or urinary tract disease.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is examined by microscopy, often after the liquid is centrifuged to concentrate the urinary sediment. The laboratory looks for casts and estimates the number of mixed cell casts in designated low-power microscope fields.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow your clinician's collection instructions. For a routine clean-catch urine sample, wash the genital area, begin urinating, and collect the middle portion of the urine in the provided container. The sample should be analyzed promptly and may need to be refrigerated briefly if collection and testing are delayed.

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 Mixed Cell Casts

Frequently asked questions

What are mixed cell casts?
They are small cylindrical structures in urine made from more than one type of urinary sediment, potentially including white blood cells, red blood cells, and epithelial cells.
Do mixed cell casts mean I have kidney disease?
Not necessarily. They can suggest kidney inflammation or injury, but your clinician must interpret them along with your symptoms, medical history, and other laboratory findings.
Is this test different from a routine urinalysis?
It is generally a microscopic component of urinalysis. The laboratory may also report protein, blood, white blood cells, and other urine findings in the same urinalysis panel.
  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