What is hyaline cast?

Hyaline casts are one of the most common types of casts that can be found in urine samples during a microscopic examination. They are transparent, colorless structures that resemble cylinders and are composed of a protein called Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein.

Hyaline casts are formed in the kidney tubules and are typically present in small numbers in the urine of healthy individuals. However, higher concentrations of hyaline casts may indicate dehydration, exercise-induced stress, or mild kidney damage.

While hyaline casts are generally considered benign, the presence of other types of casts along with hyaline casts, such as granular casts or cellular casts, may indicate more serious kidney issues that require further investigation and treatment.

Overall, the presence of hyaline casts in urine can provide valuable information about kidney function and overall health when interpreted alongside other clinical findings.