Crystals in Urine Test
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.
What this test measures
The test measures the presence, amount, and type of crystals in your urine. It can help diagnose or monitor conditions like kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and metabolic problems.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
Large amounts of certain crystals may be caused by certain medicines, diet (especially too much animal protein), or not drinking enough fluids. They may also be linked to conditions like kidney stones, gout, type 2 diabetes, or repeated urinary tract infections.
Frequently asked questions
What does a crystals in urine test check?
It checks a sample of your urine under a microscope to look for crystals, showing what they are made of, how large they are, and how many are in your urine.
Are crystals in urine normal?
Having a few small crystals in your urine is normal and usually doesn't cause problems.
What conditions can crystals in urine be linked to?
They can be linked to kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and certain metabolic problems like gout and type 2 diabetes.
What are common types of crystals that form stones?
Common types include calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, and struvite.
What can cause large amounts of crystals in urine?
Large amounts can be caused by certain medicines, diet (especially too much animal protein), or not drinking enough fluids.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Crystals in Urine — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.