Urinalysis and Body Fluids, 5th Edition

Flashcards based on key vocabulary and concepts from Urinalysis and Body Fluids, focusing on definitions and significance.

Urinalysis

The analysis of urine by physical, chemical, and microscopic means to obtain information about the health of a patient.

Microscopic Examination

A method to identify formed elements in urine including RBCs, WBCs, casts, bacteria, and crystals.

Centrifugation

A process to separate urine components based on density by spinning samples at high speed.

Physician's request

A requirement for laboratory evaluation to assess any abnormal physical or chemical urine results.

Sediment Standardization

Establishing consistent methods for preparing, examining, and reporting urine sediment results.

Casts

Elements unique to the kidney formed in the distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts, indicative of pathological processes.

Hyaline Casts

Colorless, transparent casts that can indicate non-pathologic factors like stress, exercise, or dehydration.

Neutrophil

A type of white blood cell that is the predominant cell found in urine during infection or inflammation.

Epithelial Cells

Cells lining the urinary tract; three types include squamous, transitional, and renal tubular epithelial cells.

Glomerular Damage

Damage to the glomeruli of the kidney indicated by the presence of dysmorphic RBCs and elevated protein.

Artifact

Foreign material that may appear in urine samples and can interfere with the identification of actual components.

Phase-Contrast Microscopy

A microscopy technique that enhances visualization of transparent specimens by increasing refractive index.

Urinary Crystals

Solid precipitates in urine that are often not clinically significant but can indicate various conditions.

Lipiduria

The presence of lipids in urine, indicative of conditions such as nephrotic syndrome or tubular necrosis.

WBC Casts

Casts composed of white blood cells, indicating infection or inflammatory processes in the renal tubules.

Dysmorphic RBCs

Red blood cells that have abnormal shapes, indicating glomerular bleeding or other renal pathologies.

Cholesterol Crystals

Brown or colorless, highly birefringent crystals formed in renal disorders, indicative of nephrotic syndrome.

Amorphous Phosphates

Precipitate in alkaline urine that can form a white precipitate upon refrigeration.

Trichomonas vaginalis

A pear-shaped flagellate parasite that is the most common urinary parasite found in urine samples.

Clinical Significance

The importance of findings in a urinalysis that can indicate various pathologies, often influencing diagnosis and treatment.