Urinalysis with Microscopic Examination (Sediment Analysis) – Total Cells Count
This test measures the total number of cells present in a urine sample, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and sometimes other particles like casts or crystals. It helps assess kidney function, infection, or other urinary tract conditions.
["A high cell count may signal infection, kidney issues, or other health concerns needing further evaluation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 39604-4
- Short code
- Mugwort IgE/IgE total %
- Synonyms
- Mugwort IgE/IgE total %
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for signs of urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney problems, bladder issues, or other conditions that could affect your urinary system. It’s often part of a routine checkup or when you experience symptoms like pain, frequent urination, or unusual urine color.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You’ll likely provide a midstream clean-catch urine sample, where you clean your genital area and collect a small amount of urine in a sterile container. If testing is done in a lab, they may use a catheter or other method to collect urine from your bladder.
What Happens During the Test
The urine sample is sent to a lab where it’s examined under a microscope. A technician will count the total number of cells visible in a specific volume of urine. The result helps determine if there are abnormal cells or substances that need further investigation.
Possible Results and Their Meaning
A normal result typically shows few to no cells in the urine sample. Elevated cell counts may indicate infections, inflammation, kidney disease, or other conditions. Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you and may recommend additional tests if needed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High cell counts in urine can signal urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, interstitial cystitis, or other inflammatory conditions. Persistent symptoms like frequent urination, pain, fever, or blood in urine should prompt a doctor’s visit to rule out serious conditions like kidney disease or bladder cancer. Regular monitoring may also be recommended for people with chronic kidney disease or recurrent infections.
Short name
Urinalysis Total Cells
Frequently asked questions
What causes a high total cell count in urine?
What should I do if my test shows a high cell count?
Can I prevent urinary tract infections that might affect 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