3.2 PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OF URINE - CLARITY Flashcards
No visible particulates, transparent
Clear
Few particulates, print easily seen through urine
Hazy
Many particulates, print blurred through urine
Cloudy
Print cannot be seen through urine
Turbid
May precipitate or be clotted
Milky
Nonpathological Causes of Urine Turbidity
Squamous epithelial cells
Mucus
Amorphous phosphates, carbonates, urates
Semen, spermatozoa
Fecal contamination
Radiographic contrast media
Talcum powder
Vaginal creams
Pathological Causes of Urine Turbidity
RBCs
WBCs
Bacteria
Yeast
Trichomonads
Nonsquamous epithelial cells
Abnormal crystals
Lymph fluid
Lipids
What term refers to the transparency or turbidity of a urine specimen?
Clarity
How is clarity determined in routine urinalysis?
Visual examination in front of a light source
What can cause white cloudiness in alkaline urine
Precipitation of amorphous phosphates and carbonates
What is a nonpathological cause of turbidity often seen in specimens from women?
Squamous epithelial cells and mucus
What can cause turbidity in refrigerated urine specimens?
Precipitation of amorphous phosphates, carbonates, and urates
What are the most common pathological causes of turbidity in fresh urine specimens?
RBCs, WBCs, and bacteria
Is clear urine always considered normal?
No, clear urine can still indicate abnormalities.
What current criteria determine the need for a microscopic examination of urine specimens?
Clarity and chemical tests for RBCs, WBCs, bacteria, and protein
