Red Blood Cell Morphology Profile (Automated, Urine-Based Screening)
This test evaluates red blood cell (RBC) characteristics in urine, often used to screen for conditions affecting RBC shape or function.
["Urine-based RBC screening may help detect underlying blood disorders or kidney issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 99860-9
- Short code
- Non-dysmorphic RBC #/area UrnS AI Assis
- Synonyms
- Non-dysmorphic RBC #/area UrnS AI Assis
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- computer-assisted
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- 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 This Test Measures
This test analyzes urine samples for abnormalities in red blood cell morphology, such as shape variations (e.g., spherocytes, elliptocytes) or presence of RBCs in urine (hematuria). While not a full blood smear, it may flag conditions that warrant further investigation, like kidney disease or inherited RBC disorders.
Why It’s Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like blood in urine, unexplained fatigue, or if they suspect conditions like hematuria, kidney disease, or certain genetic blood disorders. It’s sometimes used as a preliminary screen before more detailed blood tests.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll likely provide a urine sample (midstream or container) during a clinic visit. Avoid strenuous activity or certain medications (if instructed) that might affect urine color or composition.
What the Results Mean
Results may show normal RBC morphology in urine or indicate abnormal shapes/presence of RBCs. Abnormal findings often prompt follow-up tests, such as blood tests or urine culture, to diagnose underlying conditions.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Frequently asked questions
Why might this test be important?
What does a positive result mean?
How often should I get 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy