Casts

The casts test detects the presence of urinary casts (tiny tube-shaped particles) made up of proteins and other substances. This test is often done as part of a urine routine and microscopy test and helps detect conditions affecting your kidneys. 

Casts are microscopic tiny tube-shaped particles found in urine. They are produced in the kidneys' tiny tubules when the kidney is under stress or damage. These casts can be made of various substances including cellular elements (such as red or white blood cells), proteins, cells, fats, etc., each indicating different health conditions.

The Casts helps detect the presence of a cast in the urine sample, making this test a useful indicator for detecting kidney-related conditions. Red blood cell (RBC) casts may indicate glomerulonephritis, a condition where the kidney's filtering units are inflamed while white blood cell (WBC) casts suggest kidney infections or interstitial nephritis, and granular casts might indicate chronic kidney disease or acute tubular necrosis. On the other hand the presence of hyaline casts is usually harmless and can appear in concentrated urine or after exercise. Thus accurate detection and classification of these casts enable timely and targeted treatment, helping prevent the progression of kidney disease.

The urinary cast test is conducted when individuals exhibit symptoms such as hematuria (blood in urine), proteinuria (excess protein in urine), decreased urine output, swelling in the legs, or fatigue. This test helps doctors identify the quantities of casts present in the urine sediment under a microscope. Based on these findings, doctors can recommend appropriate treatments or lifestyle adjustments. Additionally, the test is valuable for monitoring known kidney conditions such as glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, or acute kidney injury, as well as assessing the response to ongoing kidney-related treatments. 

Drink enough water to provide a urine sample. A mid-stream urine sample should be collected into a sterile container provided by the sample collection professional. Women are advised not to give the sample during their menstrual period unless prescribed, as it can interfere with certain test results. Inform your doctor about all the medications or supplements that you may be taking as these may affect the test results , potentially requiring adjustments or temporary discontinuation before the test. 

Don't self-medicate at home solely based on these results and always consult a doctor for proper understanding of the test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help the doctor correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The results will help them determine your medical condition and formulate your treatment plan.