Copy of Copy of Urinalysis and Body Fluids, 7th Ed (2021)

What do normal red blood cells (RBCs) look like in urinalysis?

Pale nonnucleated biconcave discs, 6 to 8 µm in size, that appear as uniform shapes and are typically scattered throughout the urine sample in normal concentrations.

In hypotonic urine, how do red blood cells appear?

Colorless with membrane intact and regular; often lose their hemoglobin, leading to a clear appearance due to swelling, which may result from the osmosis of water into the cells, causing them to expand.

What clinical significance is associated with increased RBCs in a urinalysis?

Increased RBCs may indicate urinary tract infections (UTIs), trauma to the kidneys, or menstrual contamination. They can reflect underlying conditions such as glomerulonephritis, kidney stones, or systemic diseases that affect renal function.

What defines dysmorphic red blood cells?

RBCs that vary in size and shape, often fragmented or with cellular protrusions. They suggest glomerular bleeding and are indicative of potential kidney damage or disease, as normal RBCs maintain a conventional biconcave shape.

What is the typical size of white blood cells (WBCs) in urinalysis?

Approximately 12 µm in size, with a varied nucleus appearance and cytoplasm that may take on different staining properties, reflecting their immune response functions in urine.

What types of cells are referred to as glitter cells in urine analysis?

Neutrophils with sparkling cytoplasm due to Brownian movement in hypotonic urine. Their shiny appearance indicates active cellular metabolism and may suggest a response to infection or inflammation.

How can you differentiate neutrophils from renal tubular epithelial (RTE) cells in urine?

Neutrophils lose nuclear detail in dilute urine and have a characteristic lobulated nucleus, while RTE cells are larger with an eccentric nucleus and distinct cellular borders, leading to easy differentiation under microscopic examination.

What is a clue cell?

A variation of squamous epithelial cells, covered with Gardnerella coccobacillus, giving it a granular appearance, often associated with bacterial vaginosis and indicating an imbalance in the normal flora of the urogenital tract.

What indicates the presence of oval fat bodies in urine?

Renal tubular cells laden with fat, associated with nephrotic syndrome, which results from damage to the glomerular filtration barrier, allowing excess lipids to enter the urine, often observed as oval-shaped refractile bodies under the microscope.

What do yeast cells look like in urinalysis?

Colorless, small, refractile, round to oval structures that may be single or budding, suggesting potential fungal infections, particularly candidiasis, especially if they appear in larger numbers or in symptomatic patients.

What does a urinalysis test typically evaluate?

A urinalysis tests the physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of urine to detect disorders, infections, or diseases.

What is the significance of specific gravity in urinalysis?

Specific gravity measures urine concentration, indicating hydration level, and can suggest kidney function or dehydration.

What can cause a dark yellow or amber color in urine?

A dark yellow or amber color may indicate dehydration, high protein intake, or certain medications.

How does protein appear in a urinalysis when present abnormally?

When present in abnormal amounts, protein appears as a foam when urine is shaken, indicating potential kidney damage.

What might indicate the presence of ketones in urine?

Ketones in urine may indicate uncontrolled diabetes, fasting, or a high-protein diet, reflecting fat metabolism.

What are some common bacteria that may be found in urinalysis?

Common bacteria include Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella, and Enterococcus, typically indicating urinary tract infections.

What role do casts play in urinalysis findings?

Casts are cylindrical structures formed from proteins or cells, indicating kidney tubule abnormalities, such as damage or disease.

What may the presence of leukocyte esterase in urine suggest?

Leukocyte esterase suggests the presence of white blood cells, often indicating infection or inflammation in the urinary tract.

How can urine pH vary and what does it indicate?

Urine pH can vary from acidic (6.0 or lower) to alkaline (8.0 or higher), indicating diet, kidney function, or urinary tract infections.

What is the clinical significance of nitrites in urine?

The presence of nitrites can indicate bacterial infection, as certain bacteria convert nitrates to nitrites, suggesting a UTI.

What is the function of leukocyte esterase in urinalysis?

Leukocyte esterase indicates the presence of white blood cells in urine, often suggesting infection or inflammation in the urinary tract.

What condition may cause hematuria (blood in urine)?

Hematuria can be caused by urinary tract infections, kidney stones, glomerulonephritis, or trauma.

What does the presence of bilirubin in urine indicate?

Bilirubin in urine may indicate liver dysfunction, bile duct obstruction, or hemolytic anemia.

How do normal urinary crystals appear in urinalysis?

Normal urinary crystals may appear as colorless or light yellow, often in various shapes depending on the type of crystal.

What is the significance of urobilinogen in urine?

Increased urobilinogen can indicate liver disease or hemolysis, while decreased levels may suggest biliary obstruction.

What are the common types of epithelial cells found in urinalysis?

Common epithelial cells include squamous, transitional, and renal tubular epithelial cells.

What might the presence of squamous epithelial cells indicate in urine?

The presence of squamous epithelial cells might indicate contamination, typically from the vaginal or urethral area.

How is urine clarity assessed in a urinalysis?

Urine clarity is assessed visually, classified as clear, hazy, cloudy, or turbid, indicating potential abnormalities.

What does the term 'pyuria' mean in urinalysis?

Pyuria refers to the presence of pus or white blood cells in urine, commonly indicating infection or inflammation.

What is the normal pH range for urine?

The normal pH range for urine is typically between 4.5 and 8.0.

What might the presence of bacteria in a urine sample suggest?

The presence of bacteria in a urine sample usually indicates a urinary tract infection.

What are the causes of increased white blood cells (WBCs) in urine?

Increased WBCs in urine can indicate urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney infections, or inflammatory conditions.

How do red blood cells appear in concentrated urine?

In concentrated urine, red blood cells may appear shrunken and more concentrated compared to those in dilute urine.

What is the significance of finding crystals in urine?

Finding crystals in urine can indicate potential kidney stones, dehydration, or metabolic disorders.

What might a sweet or fruity odor of urine indicate?

A sweet or fruity odor in urine may indicate the presence of ketones, which can occur in uncontrolled diabetes.

What does the presence of albumin in urine suggest?

The presence of albumin in urine, known as albuminuria, may suggest kidney damage or disease, especially in diabetic patients.

What role do urinary tract pathogens play in urine analysis?

Urinary tract pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi, help identify infections and analyze the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments.

What is the expected appearance of normal urine?

Normal urine is typically pale yellow to amber, clear, and with a characteristic odor.

What indicates the presence of bacteria in urine under the microscope?

The presence of bacteria in urine under the microscope typically indicates a urinary tract infection (UTI).

How can urine infection influence pH levels?

Urinary tract infections often lead to alkaline urine pH due to bacterial metabolism.

What is the clinical relevance of nitrate in urine?

The presence of nitrates in urine can suggest the presence of bacteria that reduce nitrates, indicating a potential urinary tract infection.

What is a urinalysis?

A urinalysis is a test that examines the physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of urine to diagnose various medical conditions.

What color is normal urine?

Normal urine is typically pale yellow to amber, indicating proper hydration levels.

What does turbidity mean in a urine sample?

Turbidity refers to the clarity of urine; cloudy or turbid urine may indicate the presence of sediments or abnormalities.

What role does urine specific gravity play in diagnosis?

Specific gravity measures urine concentration, helping assess hydration status and kidney function.

How is urine pH significant?

Urine pH can indicate metabolic or respiratory issues; a normal range is between 4.5 and 8.0.

What can an odorless urine indicate?

Odorless urine usually indicates proper hydration and absence of infections or metabolic disorders.

What indicates the presence of blood in urine?

Hematuria indicates the presence of blood in urine, which can signal infection, stone, or injury.

What are renal tubular epithelial cells?

Renal tubular epithelial cells are specific cells from the kidney tubules that can indicate kidney damage when observed in urine.

What does the presence of ketones in urine suggest?

The presence of ketones suggests fat metabolism, possibly due to diabetes, fasting, or low-carbohydrate diets.

What are the normal levels of protein in urine?

Normal urine contains negligible amounts of protein; significant amounts may indicate kidney damage.

What could granular casts in urine indicate?

Granular casts may indicate chronic kidney disease or tubular damage.

What do calcium oxalate crystals in urine suggest?

Calcium oxalate crystals can suggest the potential for kidney stones or metabolic issues.

What is the clinical significance of nitrites in urine?

The presence of nitrites often indicates urinary tract infections caused by nitrate-reducing bacteria.

How can dehydration be identified in urinalysis?

Dehydration may present as dark yellow or amber urine, and a high specific gravity.

What can cause low urine output?

Low urine output may result from dehydration, kidney failure, or obstructive urinary tract diseases.

What can the presence of squamous epithelial cells indicate?

Squamous epithelial cells often signify contamination from the external genitalia.

What does the presence of bilirubin in urine suggest?

Bilirubin in urine can indicate liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or hemolytic anemia.

What are transitional epithelial cells?

Transitional epithelial cells line the bladder and can increase in number due to infections or irritations.

What does presence of urobilinogen indicate?

Increased urobilinogen may indicate liver dysfunction or hemolysis, while low levels may suggest biliary obstruction.

What does pyuria indicate in urinalysis?

Pyuria refers to the presence of pus, often indicating urinary tract infection or inflammation.

What does the term 'glucosuria' refer to?

Presence of glucose in urine, often indicating diabetes or stress.

What might cloudy urine indicate?

Cloudy urine can suggest infection, presence of crystals, or other abnormalities.

What is the significance of finding ketones in urine?

Ketones suggest fat metabolism, commonly linked to uncontrolled diabetes or starvation.

What does proteinuria indicate?

Proteinuria refers to excess protein in urine, often a sign of kidney disease.

What are leukocyte casts?

Leukocyte casts indicate inflammation or infection within the kidneys.

How does dehydration affect urine color?

Dehydration often leads to darker urine due to increased concentration.

What can urinalysis reveal about ketone bodies?

Presence of ketone bodies may reflect increased fat metabolism or hyperglycemia.

What role do transitional epithelial cells play?

Transitional epithelial cells line the bladder and may indicate irritation when increased.

What is the normal range of specific gravity in urine?

Normal specific gravity of urine typically ranges from 1.005 to 1.030.

What does the presence of mucus in urine suggest?

Mucus may indicate irritation or infection in the urinary tract.

What can be inferred from a urine sample with elevated pH?

Elevated urine pH may indicate bacterial infection due to urea-splitting organisms.

What is the clinical significance of urobilinogen?

Urobilinogen levels may indicate liver function; high levels suggest liver disease.

What does a sweet odor in urine often suggest?

A sweet odor can indicate diabetes due to the presence of ketones.

How does bilirubin in urine affect its appearance?

Bilirubin can cause urine to take on a dark yellow or brown color.

What does the presence of squamous epithelial cells suggest?

Squamous epithelial cells often signify contamination from external sources.

What can granular casts indicate in a urinalysis?

Granular casts can indicate kidney disease or tubular dysfunction.

What does hematuria refer to?

Hematuria refers to the presence of blood in urine, signifying possible kidney or urinary issues.

What is the normal range of urine output per day?

Normal urine output ranges from 800 to 2000 mL per day, depending on fluid intake.

What does the presence of nitrites in urine signify?

Nitrites suggest bacterial infection, particularly from nitrate-reducing bacteria.

What is considered normal urine clarity?

Normal urine clarity is typically clear with no cloudiness or turbidity.

What does the term 'oliguria' mean?

Oliguria refers to low urine output, often indicating dehydration or kidney issues.

What does hematuria indicate?

The presence of blood in urine, potentially signaling infection or kidney damage.

What is the normal urine color range?

Normal urine color ranges from pale yellow to amber, reflecting hydration level.

What does pyuria signify?

The presence of pus or white blood cells in urine, often indicating infection.

What can be inferred from the presence of ketones in urine?

It suggests fat metabolism, commonly associated with diabetes or starvation.

What does a high specific gravity in urine indicate?

It may indicate dehydration or concentrated urine.

What are transitional epithelial cells?

Cells that line the bladder; increased numbers can indicate irritation or infection.

What role do casts play in urinalysis?

Casts can indicate kidney abnormalities or damage.

What does the presence of bacteria in a urine sample suggest?

It often indicates a urinary tract infection (UTI).

What might the presence of nitrites in urine suggest?

It indicates bacterial infections, especially from nitrate-reducing organisms.

What is the clinical significance of leukocyte esterase?

It suggests white blood cells in urine, typically indicating infection.

How does diet affect urine pH?

Diet can cause variations; high protein diets may lead to acidic urine, while vegetarian diets can lead to alkaline urine.

What do calcium oxalate crystals in urine suggest?

They may indicate potential for kidney stones or metabolic issues.

What might cause dark-colored urine?

Dehydration, certain foods, medications, or liver disease may cause dark urine.

What is the importance of urobilinogen in urine?

Increased urobilinogen levels may indicate liver disease or hemolysis.

What indicates a UTI based on urinalysis?

Presence of leukocytes, nitrites, and bacteria in urine samples typically indicate a UTI.

What does albumin in urine indicate?

It may signify kidney damage, particularly in diabetic patients.

What can clear urine suggest?

Clear urine typically indicates good hydration and absence of infections.

How can low urine output be classified?

Oliguria refers to urine output less than 400 mL per day.