Urinalysis, Microscopic Test
Urinalysis, Microscopic examines a urine sample under a microscope to look for cells, casts, crystals and other formed elements. It is a separate test from a chemical urinalysis, and it is read by a clinician alongside other findings rather than on its own.
About this test
This test looks at a urine sample under a microscope rather than by chemical reagent strips. The examination reports what is seen, including red blood cells, white blood cells, epithelial cells, casts such as hyaline and granular casts, crystals such as calcium oxalate, triple phosphate and uric acid crystals, along with bacteria, yeast, and any amorphous sediment present.
The sample is collected in a preservative-containing transport tube so the formed elements are preserved until the laboratory examines it. Because the test lists several different elements rather than a single marker, a clinician reads the overall pattern together with a person's symptoms and any other results ordered at the same time.
Test details
| Quest code | 8563 |
|---|---|
| Methodology | Microscopic Examination |
| Sample type | 10 mL urine - Urinalysis transport tube |
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
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Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The microscopic examination reports cells and other formed elements present in the urine sample, including red blood cells, white blood cells, renal epithelial cells, squamous and transitional epithelial cells, casts, crystals, bacteria, and yeast. This is a different product from Urinalysis, Macroscopic, which measures chemical constituents with reagent strips rather than examining the sample under a microscope.
Order online and a physician order is included — no doctor's visit and no insurance needed. Your sample is collected at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does a microscopic urinalysis measure?
It reports abnormal cells and other formed elements observed in a urine sample under a microscope, including red and white blood cells, epithelial cells, casts, crystals, bacteria, and yeast.
How is the sample collected?
The test uses a 10 mL urine sample collected in a urinalysis transport tube.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No preparation instructions are listed for this test, though people follow any instructions their ordering clinician provides.
Is this the same as a macroscopic urinalysis?
No. This test examines the sample under a microscope for cells and other formed elements. Urinalysis, Macroscopic is a separate test that measures chemical constituents using reagent strips.
Can this test tell me the cause of an abnormal finding?
No. It reports the cells and other elements seen in the sample, which a clinician interprets alongside symptoms, history, and other results.
How much does the Urinalysis, Microscopic test cost?
The cash price at Celio Health is $15. That covers the physician's order and sample collection at a Quest patient service center — no insurance is needed and there's no separate doctor's visit to pay for.