Crystals, Urine Test
This test examines a urine sample under microscopy with polarized light for the presence and type of crystals. Quest describes abnormal crystals as appearing either from underlying pathology or from normal catabolism, the body's routine breakdown processes.
About this test
A urine sample is collected in a urinalysis transport tube and examined under microscopy with polarized light, which allows the lab to identify and classify the types of crystals present, such as calcium oxalate, triple phosphate, or uric acid crystals.
Quest describes abnormal crystals in urine as reflecting either a pathological process or a normal catabolic one, which is why a crystal finding is read together with other information a clinician has rather than treated as conclusive on its own. The polarized-light method helps the lab distinguish one crystal type from another, since different crystal shapes have different associations.
Test details
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
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Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The test reports the presence and type of crystals observed, including amorphous sediment, calcium oxalate crystals, triple phosphate crystals, and uric acid crystals, along with an overall crystals finding. Each crystal type has a distinct appearance under polarized light, which is how the lab tells them apart.
This test isn't part of the Celio Health store at the moment, so it can't be ordered or requested here. The test menu lists everything that can.
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 this test measure?
It examines a urine sample under microscopy with polarized light for the presence and type of crystals, such as calcium oxalate, triple phosphate, or uric acid crystals.
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.
Does finding crystals in urine always mean something is wrong?
No. Quest describes abnormal crystals as appearing either from an underlying pathology or from normal catabolism, so a finding is read in context rather than on its own.