MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION OF URINE: CASTS AND CRYSTALS Flashcards
Composed of Tamm-Horsfall (uromodulin) protein excreted by renal tubular epithelial cells
Casts
When other urinary constituents are present they become enmeshed in the cast matrix or attached to the matrix
Casts
Formed in the distal convoluted tubule and collecting ducts (wider casts)
Casts
Reported as the number per low-power field
Casts
Colorless
Hyaline
Orange/red–containing RBCs
RBC
WBCs in cast matrix
WBC
RTE cells attached to cast matrix
Epithelial cell
Bacteria attached to cast matrix
Granular
Coarse or fine granules in the matrix
Granular
Highly refractile, jagged edges and notches
Waxy
Fat droplets and oval fat bodies attached to cast matrix
Fatty
Wider than normal
Broad
Mucus, fibers, increased light
Hyaline
RBC clumps (look for cast matrix)
RBC
WBC clumps (look for cast matrix)
WBC
WBC casts
Epithelial cell
Granular casts
Bacterial
Clumps of small crystals, columnar RTE cells
Granular
Fibers, fecal material
Waxy
Fecal material
Fatty
Fecal material, fibers
Broad
Glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, congestive heart failure, stress, exercise
Hyaline
Glomerulonephritis, strenuous exercise
RBC
Pyelonephritis, acute interstitial nephritis
WBC
Renal tubular damage
Epithelial cell
Pyelonephritis
Bacterial