Urine Renal Epithelial Cell Area Ratio (24-hour collection)
This test measures the amount of specialized kidney tissue cells found in your urine over a full day. It helps assess kidney health and detect early signs of kidney damage.
["This test may help identify kidney problems before symptoms appear."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 45391-0
- Short code
- Renal Epi Cells #/area UrnS LPF
- Synonyms
- Renal Epi Cells #/area UrnS LPF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- microscopy-light-lpf
- 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like blood in urine, frequent urination, swelling, or if you have a history of kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. It can also be part of routine screening for certain kidney conditions.
What Does the Test Involve?
You’ll collect all urine for a full 24-hour period in a special container. This ensures the test captures the full range of cells shed by your kidneys during the day.
Sample Collection Process
Start by emptying your bladder completely into the container at the beginning of the 24-hour period. Then, collect every urine void throughout the day and night. Replace the lid tightly and refrigerate the container until you return it to the lab.
What Happens After the Test?
The lab will analyze your urine sample to count and measure the size of kidney epithelial cells. This helps determine if there’s abnormal shedding of these cells, which could indicate kidney damage or disease.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated levels of renal epithelial cells in urine may signal conditions like acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, or kidney stones. Detecting these cells early can help guide treatment and prevent further damage. This test is particularly useful in monitoring kidney function in patients with risk factors for kidney disease.
Short name
Urine Renal Epithelial Cells (24h)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What does it mean if my results are abnormal?
Can I take medications before 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