Microscopic Examination of Urine - Urinary Sediment Artifacts

Question 1

Contaminants of all types can be found in urine, particularly in specimens _____

Answer 1

Specimens collected under improper conditions or in dirty containers

Question 2

The most frequently encountered artifacts include

Answer 2

Starch
Oil droplets
Air bubbles
Pollen grains
Fibers
Fecal contamination

Question 3

The reporting of artifacts is clinically significant. True or False?

Answer 3

False; not necessary

Question 4

Contaminant when cornstarch is the powder used in powdered gloves

Answer 4

Starch granules

Question 5

Appearance of starch granules

Answer 5

Highly refractile spheres, usually with a dimpled center

Question 6

They resemble fat droplets when polarized, producing a Maltese cross formation

Answer 6

Starch granules

Question 7

Starch granules may also occasionally be confused with

Answer 7

RBCs

Question 8

Contaminant that result from contamination by immersion oil or lotions and creams

Answer 8

Oil droplets

Question 9

Occur when the specimen is placed under a cover slip

Answer 9

Air bubbles

Question 10

Seasonal contaminants that appear as spheres with a cell wall and occasional concentric circles

Answer 10

Pollen grains

Question 11

Fibers from clothing and diapers are usually much longer and more refractile that casts. True or False?

Answer 11

True

Question 12

Fibers often polarize, whereas casts, other than fatty casts, do not polarize. True or False?

Answer 12

True

Question 13

Contaminant produced due to improperly collected specimens or rarely the presence of a fistula between the intestinal and urinary tracts

Answer 13

Fecal artifacts

Question 14

Appear as plant and meat fibers or as brown amorphous material in a variety of sizes and shapes

Answer 14

Fecal artifacts