Body Fluids Lab Practical

What is the normal CSF WBC count for adults?

0-5 WBC/uL.

What is the predominant WBC cell type for an adult CSF sample?

≥70% lymphocytes.

What is the normal CSF WBC count for infants?

0-30 WBC/uL.

What is the predominant WBC cell type for an infant CSF sample?

≥70% monocytes, ≥30% lymphocytes.

What are normal acid crystals?

Amorphous urates, Calcium Oxalate, Uric Acid.

What are normal alkaline crystals?

Amorphous Phosphates, Triple Phosphates, Calcium Phosphates, Ammonium Biurate, Calcium Carbonate.

What are some abnormal crystals seen in an acid pH urine?

Cystine, Tyrosine, Leucine, Bilirubin, Cholesterol, Radiographic Dye, Drugs.

What are these?

Starch/talc crystals.

What are these?

Abnormal crystals that would be found in an acid pH. Due to drugs.

What are these?

Abnormal crystals found in an acid pH. Caused by Radiographic dye.

What are these?

Abnormal Cholesterol crystals seen in an acid pH. Consistent with Nephrotic syndrome.

What are these?

Abnormal crystals seen in an acid pH. Bilirubin.

What are these?

Abnormal crystals seen in an acid pH. Leucine. “Wagon wheel.” Consistent with liver disease. Could be seen along with tyrosine crystals.

What are these?

Abnormal Crystals see in acid pH. Tyrosine. Consistent with liver disease.

What are these?

Abnormal crystals seen in acid pH. Cystine. Consistent with an amino acid reabsorption defect. Kidney stones occur at an early age.

What are these?

Normal Alkaline Crystals. Calcium Carbonate. Small dumb bells.

What are these?

Normal Alkaline Crystals. Ammonium Biurate. “Thorny apples”

What is this?

Normal Alkaline Crystals. Calcium Phosphate. Rosettes/Prisms.

What are these?

Normal Alkaline Crystals. Triple Phosphate. “Coffin lids”

What are these?

Normal Acid Crystals. Uric Acid. Often appear yellow or brown. Various shapes occur, but square, diamond or barrel-shapes are common.

What are these?

Calcium Oxalate. Oval forms. Large numbers seen in ethylene glycol poisoning.