What should you know about a urine routine and microscopy test?

Microscopy may show red blood cells, white blood cells, epithelial cells, crystals, casts or microorganisms. Small amounts of some material can occur without serious disease, and epithelial cells may indicate that skin or genital material entered the cup. White cells can accompany infection or irritation. Crystals may relate to urine concentration and do not by themselves prove a stone. Casts have different meanings depending on their type. A clinician combines the report with symptoms, examination and other tests.

Collect the specimen in the supplied sterile container, following instructions about cleaning and midstream collection. Avoid adding water or transferring urine from another container. Tell the clinician about menstruation, vaginal discharge, recent exercise, urinary procedures and medicines, since these details can affect interpretation. If findings are unclear, the next step may be a repeat clean sample, culture or another investigation. See the general [Urine Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/urine-test/) guide for context.

Get prompt medical help for visible blood with clots, inability to pass urine, severe side or back pain, fever with shaking chills, persistent vomiting or confusion. A [Urinary Tract Infection](/conditions/urinary-tract-infection/) can present with burning and frequency, while a [Kidney Infection](/conditions/kidney-infection/) may involve fever and flank pain.

Ask what each reported cell or crystal means in your situation, whether contamination is possible, and whether a culture or imaging is needed. Ask how quickly to follow up if blood or protein remains present.