What should you know about a urine sediment test?

A laboratory first concentrates a urine sample and examines the sediment, often with a microscope. Red blood cells can point to bleeding somewhere in the urinary tract, while white blood cells may fit with inflammation or infection. Bacteria, crystals, casts, and epithelial cells can add context, but a finding does not establish one diagnosis by itself. A contaminated sample can include cells or bacteria from skin or genital areas, so collection technique matters.

The result is interpreted alongside symptoms, the rest of the urine test, and sometimes a urine culture. A urinary tract infection or kidney infection may produce white cells and bacteria, while crystals can appear for several reasons. Benign prostatic hyperplasia can affect urine flow and the bladder, which may influence the wider assessment.

Follow the laboratory instructions. Usually, you clean the area, begin urinating into the toilet, then collect a midstream sample in the supplied container without touching its inside. Tell the clinician about medicines, supplements, menstrual bleeding, recent strenuous activity, and urinary symptoms. These details can help explain an unexpected result.

Do not start or save antibiotics based only on sediment findings. If infection is suspected, a clinician may request a culture and choose treatment after considering the whole picture. Read more about a [Urine Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/urine-test/) and [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/).

Arrange medical review for visible blood in urine, repeated abnormal results, burning with urination, new frequency, or persistent lower abdominal discomfort. Seek urgent care for fever with flank or back pain, vomiting, confusion, or feeling severely unwell, because these symptoms can occur with a more serious urinary infection. A test result should not delay assessment when symptoms are intense or worsening.

Ask which sediment findings were present, whether the sample may have been contaminated, whether a culture or repeat sample is needed, and what follow-up fits your symptoms. You can also ask whether [Kidney Infection](/conditions/kidney-infection/) or [Urinary Tract Infection](/conditions/urinary-tract-infection/) is being considered, and whether urinary flow needs assessment for [Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia](/conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/).