Microscopic Examination of Urine Sediment

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the microscopic examination of urine sediment.

Urinary Sediment

Materials that are detected and identified in the microscopic examination of urine.

Formed Elements

Components such as red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), epithelial cells, casts, bacteria, yeast, and crystals found in urine.

Macroscopic Screening

A preliminary assessment of urine based on physical and chemical properties to decide if microscopic analysis is needed.

Centrifugation

The process used to separate sediments from urine by spinning at high speeds.

Microscopic Analysis

The examination of urinary sediment under a microscope to identify and quantify its constituents.

RBC Casts

Cylindrical structures formed from red blood cells found in urine, indicating renal disease.

Concentration Factor

The ratio of the volume of urine centrifuged to the volume of sediment examined, influencing quantitation of elements.

CLSI Recommendations

Guidelines set by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute regarding when to perform microscopic examination.

Technical Tip 7-1

Warm refrigerated urine specimens to 37°C before centrifuging to dissolve amorphous urate crystals.

Reporting Microscopic Examination

Methods for documenting microscopic results, including average counts per low-power field (lpf) or high-power field (hpf).

Addis Count

An early standardized procedure developed by Addis in 1926 for quantifying formed elements in urine.

Artifacts

Unwanted particles in the urine sediment that can interfere with microscopic examination.