LAB TEST
Urinary casts
Urinary casts are tiny tube-shaped particles that can be found when urine is examined under the microscope during a test called urinalysis . Urinary casts may be made up of white blood cells, red blood cells, kidney cells, or substances such as protein or fat. The content of a cast can help tell your health care provider whether your kidney is healthy or abnormal.
How the Test is Performed
The urine sample you provide may need to be from your first morning urination. The sample needs to be taken to the lab within 1 hour. A clean-catch urine sample is needed. The clean-catch method is used to prevent germs from the penis or vagina from getting into a urine sample. To collect your urine, the provider may…
How to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is needed.
How the Test will Feel
The test involves only normal urination. There is no discomfort.
Why the Test is Performed
Your provider may order this test to see if your kidneys are working properly. It may also be ordered to check for certain conditions, such as: Glomerular disease Interstitial kidney disease Kidney infections
Normal Results
The absence of cellular casts is normal. The presence of a few hyaline casts is also normal. Hyaline casts are the most common type of urinary casts. They're made up of a protein call uromodulin and are often the result of conditions such as dehydration and strenuous exercise, as well as chronic kidney failure.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may include: Fatty casts are seen in people who have lipids in urine. This is most often a complication of nephrotic syndrome . Granular casts are a sign of many types of kidney diseases. Red blood cell casts mean there is a microscopic amount of bleeding from the kidney. They are seen in many kidney…
Risks
There are no risks with this test.
References
Judd E, Sanders PW, Agarwal A. Diagnosis and clinical evaluation of acute kidney injury. In: Johnson RJ, Floege J, Tonelli M, eds. Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 72. Riley RS, McPherson RA. Basic examination of the urine. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 20/08/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.