Microscopic, Urine

Includes

  • A microscopic examination is performed, when appropriate, at an additional charge.


Methodology

Microscopic Examination

Reference Range(s)


Microscopic

  • WBC - ≤5 /HPF

  • RBC - ≤2 /HPF

  • Squamous Epithelial Cells - ≤5 /HPF

  • Transitional Epithelial - ≤5 /HPF

  • Renal Epithelial Cells - ≤3 /HPF

  • Bacteria - None seen

  • Calcium Oxalate Crystals - None or Few

  • Triple Phosphate Crystals - None or Few

  • Uric Acid Crystals - None or Few

  • Amorphous Sediment - None or Few

  • Crystals - None seen

  • Hyaline Casts - None seen

  • Granular Casts - None seen

  • Casts - None seen

  • Yeast - None seen

Preferred Specimen(s)

10 mL urine - Urinalysis transport tube (yellow-top, blue fill line, preservative tube)


Alternative Specimen(s)

Refrigerated unpreserved pediatric sample • Yellow/red swirl-topped conical transport tube with preservative

Minimum Volume

Preserved: 1 mL

Unpreserved (pediatric only): 1 mL

Collection Instructions

Encourage mid-stream samples to minimize contamination and improve accuracy. Label the sample appropriately and store at room temperature until pick-up.

Transport Container

Yellow-top, blue fill line urinalysis transport tube, sterile urine container

Transport Temperature

Preserved: Room temperature

Pediatric Unpreserved: Refrigerated (cold packs)


Specimen Stability

  • Preserved urine

  • Room temperature: 72 hours

  • Refrigerated: 72 hours

  • Frozen: Unacceptable

Unpreserved urine

  • Refrigerated: 24 hours - Pediatric specimen


Reject Criteria

Unpreserved specimen (adults)

Note: Reference ranges are provided as general guidance only. To interpret test results use the reference range in the laboratory report.