Microscopic Urinalysis

Microscopic urine analysis, microscopic examination of urine

This test looks at a sample of your urine under a microscope. It can see cells from your urinary tract, blood cells, crystals, bacteria, parasites, and cells from tumors.

This test is often used to confirm the findings of other tests or add information to a diagnosis.

You may need this test to help diagnose:

• Kidney disease

• Urinary tract infection

• Cancer

• Reactions to medicines

• Prostate infection

• Liver disease

• Viral infection

• Yeast infection

• Parasitic infection

You may have other tests on your urine sample. These may include:

• Checking the color and odor

• Measuring the level of dissolved solid substances in the urine

• Checking the acidity

• Testing for protein, sugar, bilirubin, and other substances that may be a sign of different diseases

You may also have blood tests.

Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, and other things. Your test results may be different depending on the lab used. They may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you.

Here is a sample of what certain results may mean:

• A high number of red blood cells may mean that you have kidney disease, urinary tract infection, a drug reaction, or cancer.

• A high number of white blood cells may mean that you have an infection or inflammation in your urinary tract.

• A high number of cells called eosinophils may mean that you have problems in your urinary tract.

• A high number of certain kidney cells may mean that you have kidney damage.

• Substances created in the kidney, called casts, can suggest different diseases.

• Abnormal crystals formed from amino acids and certain medicines can be a sign of a variety of health problems.

This test is done with a urine sample. Your healthcare provider may ask you to provide a sample at a specific time of day, such as first thing in the morning. Or you may collect a sample at random. For this test, you may also need to collect all the urine you make over a certain period, such as 24 hours. For this sample, you empty your bladder completely first thing in the morning without collecting it. Note the time. Then collect your urine every time you go to the bathroom over the next 24 hours. You will collect it in a container that your healthcare provider or the lab gives you.

This test poses no known risks.

Certain medicines can alter the appearance of urine under the microscope, including:

• Sulfamethoxazole

• Ampicillin

• Dyes used in imaging tests

• High doses of medicines that contain salicylate

Your results may also be affected by:

• Stool in your urine sample

• Menstrual blood

• Vaginal medicine

You don't need to prepare for this test. But be sure your healthcare provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use.