LO3 CHEM 110 Miscellaneous Elements in Urine Sediment

Flashcards reviewing miscellaneous elements found in urine sediment, including yeast, pinworm, trichomonas, bacteria, mucus, and artifacts.

Yeast

A miscellaneous element that causes UTI or appears in female urine due to contamination from vaginal yeast infection. Appears as small round or oval shaped structures, more refractile than RBCs, with multiple forms including single celled, budding cells, pseudo-hyphae, and branching hyphae.

Pinworm

An element associated with fecal contamination and intestinal pinworm infection. Its eggs are oval shaped with one side flatter than the other, a large nucleus, a thick cellular wall, and vary in size but are similar to a squamous cell or larger.

Trichomonas

A sexually transmitted parasitic disease that arises in female urine due to contamination from vaginal secretions during trichomonas vaginalis infection. Appears slightly pear shaped with tail like flagella, similar in size and appearance to WBCs and RTE cells.

Bacteria

Small round or rod shaped structures that exhibit motility. They can cause UTI or represent normal flora of the outer genitalia.

Mucus

An element more common in female than male urine that exhibits a thread like appearance that varies in length.

Artifacts (starch)

Urinary artifacts originating from body powders and gloves worn by healthcare workers. They vary in size, have a characteristic central dimple, and exhibit a "Maltese cross" patter under polarizing microscopy.

Artifacts (fibers + hair)

Urinary artifacts that originate from clothing and toilet paper.