Urinary Pseudocasts, Area — Low-Power Field Examination
This urine sediment test looks for pseudocasts, microscopic structures that may resemble true urinary casts.
["Pseudocasts are usually nonspecific, but their meaning depends on the type and number of casts and other urine findings."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33019-1
- Short code
- Pseudocasts #/area UrnS LPF
- Synonyms
- Pseudocasts #/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 sediment under a microscope to identify pseudocasts and estimate the area they occupy. Pseudocasts can look like true casts but are made up of substances that do not necessarily indicate kidney injury.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order urine microscopy as part of a urinalysis, kidney assessment, or evaluation of blood or protein in the urine. Pseudocasts are reviewed along with other casts, cells, crystals, and urine findings.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is centrifuged or otherwise prepared to concentrate the sediment, and a laboratory professional examines the sediment with a microscope. The report describes whether pseudocasts are present and may include an area or low-power-field estimate.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the instructions provided by your clinician or laboratory. Urine collection timing, container type, and prompt delivery can affect the microscopic findings.
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.
Pseudocasts are often nonspecific and may occur with concentrated urine, recent strenuous exercise, or contamination. When true casts or other abnormal urine findings are present, they may point to dehydration, kidney irritation, or kidney disease, depending on the cast type and the overall clinical picture.
Short name
Urinary Pseudocasts
Frequently asked questions
Are pseudocasts the same as true urinary casts?
Does finding pseudocasts mean I have kidney disease?
Can exercise or dehydration affect the result?
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