Microscopic Examination of Urine Sediment

This set of flashcards covers vocabulary and key concepts related to the microscopic examination of urinary sediment as discussed in the lecture.

Urinalysis

A clinical test that examines urine's physical, chemical, and microscopic properties.

Microscopic Examination

The examination of urine sediment under a microscope to identify insoluble materials.

Formed Elements

Components such as red blood cells, white blood cells, epithelial cells, casts, and crystals present in urine.

Blood (in urine)

Presence indicates possible hematuria, hemoglobinuria, or myoglobinuria.

Macroscopic Screening

Initial assessment of urine characteristics (e.g., color and clarity) before microscopic analysis.

Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)

An organization that provides guidelines for laboratory testing standards.

Centrifugation

The process of separating components in a liquid by spinning them at high speed.

Clean-catch Midstream Specimen

A method of collecting urine to minimize contamination.

Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF)

A measure of the gravitational force exerted during centrifugation, used instead of RPM for consistency.

Amorphous Urates

Non-pathological crystals that can precipitate during refrigeration, potentially obscuring other elements in urine.