Crystals in Urine Test
Reviewed
A crystals in urine test checks a sample of your urine under a microscope to look for crystals. It shows what the crystals are made of, how large they are, and how many are in your urine. Having a few small crystals is normal, but large amounts of certain types may be a sign of a health condition that needs treatment.
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations. To make sure your test results are accurate, carefully follow all instructions for providing your urine sample.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- 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.