White Blood Cell Clump Area Index (Urinary)
This test measures the presence of abnormal clumping in white blood cells found in urine, which may indicate inflammation or infection in the urinary tract.
["Clumping in urine WBCs could signal urinary tract issues like infections or irritation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 46420-6
- Short code
- WBC clumps #/area UrnS HPF
- Synonyms
- WBC clumps #/area UrnS HPF
- 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-light-hpf
- 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 Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms such as frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, or fever. It can also be part of a broader evaluation for urinary tract infections, kidney issues, or other inflammatory conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. You may be asked to collect a midstream urine sample in a clean container. Drink plenty of water the day before if hydration is advised by your provider.
What the Test Results Mean
The test looks for abnormal clumping patterns in white blood cells under a microscope. Elevated clumping may suggest an infection or inflammation, but results alone don’t diagnose a condition. They’re usually interpreted alongside other symptoms and test results.
Common Causes of Abnormal Findings
Increased clumping is most commonly linked to urinary tract infections (UTIs), interstitial cystitis, or kidney inflammation. Rarely, it may appear in conditions affecting the bladder or prostate in men.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
WBC Clump Area Index (Urine)
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
How often can I expect this test?
Can I take antibiotics 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