Mixed Cell Casts, Urine, Qualitative — Microscopy
A urine microscopy test that identifies mixed cell casts, which contain several types of cells and may indicate kidney tubule injury or irritation.
["Mixed cell casts in urine can be a sign of kidney tubule injury but are not diagnostic of a specific condition."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 34173-5
- Short code
- Mixed Cell Casts UrnS Ql Micro
- Synonyms
- Mixed Cell Casts UrnS Ql Micro
- 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
- 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 to look for mixed cell casts. These are small structures formed in the kidney tubules that contain more than one type of cell, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and epithelial cells.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test as part of a urinalysis when evaluating kidney problems, urinary tract inflammation, or changes in urine findings. Mixed cell casts may be associated with kidney tubule injury or irritation.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected and prepared for microscopic examination. A laboratory professional looks at the urine sediment and reports whether mixed cell casts are present.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's urine collection instructions, which may request a first-morning or clean-catch specimen. Keep the container closed and deliver the sample promptly, especially if it has been kept at room temperature.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Finding mixed cell casts may suggest irritation or injury of the kidney tubules. They can occur with dehydration, medication effects, urinary tract inflammation, or other kidney conditions, so the result must be interpreted with symptoms and the rest of the urinalysis.
This finding does not by itself identify a specific disease or determine how severe the kidney problem is. Repeat testing or additional kidney tests may be needed if the result is unexpected or symptoms are concerning.
Short name
Urine Mixed Cell Casts, Qualitative
Frequently asked questions
What are mixed cell casts?
Does a positive result mean I have a kidney disease?
Does the test require a special collection method?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy