Crystals in Urine Test
Reviewed
Also called: Urinalysis (crystals) microscopic urine analysis, Microscopic examination of urine
A crystals in urine test checks a sample of your urine (pee) under a microscope to look for crystals.
Specimen: Urine
Why this test may be ordered
- To help diagnose or monitor kidney stones and other kidney diseases
- To help diagnose or monitor urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- To help diagnose or monitor certain problems with metabolism
- As part of a urinalysis to check your general health
- If you have symptoms of a kidney stone or UTI, such as sharp pains in your lower abdomen, side, groin, or back; blood in urine; frequent need to urinate; pain when urinating; cloudy or bad-smelling urine; nausea and vomiting; fever and chills
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations for a crystals in urine test. To make sure your test results are accurate, be sure to carefully follow all the instructions for providing your urine sample.
You will need to give a urine sample for the test. Your provider may ask you to collect your sample using the clean catch method or a 24-hour urine test. It's important to follow these instructions so that germs from your skin don't get into the sample.
There is no known risk to having a crystals in urine test.
Understanding results
The test results will usually show if you have any crystals in your urine, the amount, and what they are made of. It's best to ask your provider to explain what your results mean.
- No crystals or only a few small crystals: Having a few small crystals in your urine is normal, and they usually don't cause problems. Limitation: But large amounts of certain types of crystals may be a sign of a health condition that needs treatment. Next step: If you have questions about your test results and how you can prevent crystals in urine, talk with your provider.
- Calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate crystals: Calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate. These crystals are the most common cause of kidney stones. Limitation: Having crystals in your urine doesn't always mean that you have a medical condition that needs treatment. Next step: That's because different types of crystals are linked to different medical conditions, and your provider may need to order other tests to make a diagnosis.
- Large amounts of uric acid or urate crystals: Large amounts of these crystals may form when metabolic problems, such as gout and type 2 diabetes, make your urine too acidic. Limitation: Large amounts of some types of crystals may be caused by: Certain medicines, such as calcium-based antacids, some types of antibiotics, diuretics (water pills), and antiviral medicines (medicines that treat viruses), Your diet, especially eating too much animal protein, such as fish, shellfish, and organ meats, Not drinking enough fluids. Next step: That's because different types of crystals are linked to different medical conditions, and your provider may need to order other tests to make a diagnosis.
- Large amounts of struvite crystals: Repeated urinary tract infections may cause large amounts of struvite crystals. Limitation: Having crystals in your urine doesn't always mean that you have a medical condition that needs treatment. Next step: If you have questions about your test results and how you can prevent crystals in urine, talk with your provider.
- Having crystals in your urine doesn't always mean that you have a medical condition that needs treatment.
- Large amounts of some types of crystals may be caused by certain medicines, diet (especially too much animal protein), or not drinking enough fluids.
- Your provider may need to order other tests to make a diagnosis.
- The test results depend on proper sample collection; germs from the skin can contaminate the sample if instructions are not followed.
What to do next
If you have questions about your test results and how you can prevent crystals in urine, talk with your provider.
- What type of crystals were found in my urine?
- How many crystals were found, and are they considered a large amount?
- Do I need any other tests to find out what is causing the crystals?
- What can I do to prevent kidney stones or other problems related to crystals in urine?
- Should I change my diet or fluid intake based on these results?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.