Site Map

Urinary casts

Hyaline casts; Granular casts; Renal tubular epithelial casts; Waxy casts; Casts in the urine; Fatty casts; Red blood cell casts; White blood cell 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.

Images

Female urinary tract
Male urinary tract

I Would Like to Learn About:

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 give you a special clean-catch kit that contains a cleansing solution and sterile wipes. Follow instructions exactly so that the results are accurate.

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:

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:

Your provider will tell you more about your results.

Risks

There are no risks with this test.

Related Information

Glomerulonephritis
Interstitial nephritis
Nephrotic syndrome
IgA nephropathy
Lupus nephritis
Anti-glomerular basement membrane disease
Acute tubular necrosis
Transplant rejection
Chronic kidney disease
Acute nephritic syndrome
Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (GN)
Necrotizing vasculitis
Rhabdomyolysis
Primary amyloidosis
Secondary systemic amyloidosis
Systemic lupus erythematosus

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 Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 29.

BACK TO TOP

Review Date: 8/20/2023  

Reviewed By: Jacob Berman, MD, MPH, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

© 1997-2024adam.com All rights reserved.