White Blood Cell Count with Differential (24-Hour Urine Microscopic Examination of Sediment)
This test involves analyzing a 24-hour urine sample to count white blood cells and examine microscopic features, often to check for urinary tract infections or inflammation.
["Assesses urinary white blood cells and potential infection/inflammation over a full day’s urine output."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 63554-0
- Short code
- WBC 24h UrnS Micro-nRate
- Synonyms
- WBC 24h UrnS Micro-nRate
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.5
- Ref high
- 11
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 30 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- microscopy
- CPT
- 85004
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003002
- 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 This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like frequent urination, pain during urination, fever, or cloudy/pungent-smelling urine. It helps determine if there’s an infection or inflammation in your urinary system, such as a bladder or kidney issue.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll collect all urine for 24 hours in a special container. Drink plenty of fluids to ensure adequate urine volume. Avoid certain medications (like some antibiotics) that might affect results unless instructed otherwise.
What Happens During the Test
After collecting urine, it’s sent to a lab. Microscopic examination checks for white blood cells and other cells/sediment that may indicate infection or inflammation. No special preparation is needed beyond the 24-hour urine collection.
What the Results Mean
Higher-than-normal white blood cells in urine may signal urinary tract infection, interstitial nephritis, or other inflammatory conditions. Results alone aren’t diagnostic; they’re interpreted with clinical symptoms and other tests.
Reference range
Adult: 4.5-11.0 x 10^9/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated white blood cells in urine sediment are often associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs), interstitial cystitis, or kidney inflammation. This test supports diagnosis by quantifying microscopic cellular changes over a full day’s urine output, helping guide treatment decisions (e.g., antibiotics for infections).
Short name
WBC Urine Microscopy (24h)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can I drink alcohol before this test?
What if I miss collecting urine for part of the 24-hour period?
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