Urinalysis Flashcards
3 C’s
Cells, casts, crystals
RBC’s
Round, biconcave, nonnucleated, colorless discs
*Shrink in concentrated urine - Swell in dilute urine
*if they hemolyze they will NOT be seen under the microscope
kidney stones, tumors, lesions
WBC’s
*Pyuria which indicates an infection. Usually neutrophils Can be found in - Cystitis, pyelonephritis, prostatitis larger than RBC fever or strenuous activity
Squamous epithelial cells
Most frequently seen and least significant
comes from lining of vagina
very large
Renal tubular epithelial cells
Renal failure if you see these
round and larger than WBC
*pyelonephritis, viral infection
crystals
in acidic or alkaline urine
temperature, pH or concentration of urine
pH most important aid in identifying crystals
most are normal
cast formation
decreased urine flow
increased acidity
increased solute concentration
increased plasma protein
Hyaline casts
*most frequently seen - can be normal or due to Abnormal condition
seen on low power
heat exposure, emotional stress, dehydration
pyelonephritis, CHF, chronic renal disease
Waxy cast
smooth and blunt cracked ends
represent extreme urine stasis, chronic renal failure
dark pink in color
microscopic view of conditions within nephron
artifact in urine spec
feces starch granules air bubbles pollen grains hair clothing or diaper fibers
Mucus
threadlike substances
have to subdue light to see them
not clinically significant
*Tamm-horsfall protein
parasites
Trichomonas
Sexually transmitted
reported: rare,moderate,many (high power)
Yeast
budding characteristic - like popcorn
vaginal infection or diabetes mellitus
Bacteria
Reproduce rapidly if spec sits at room temp too long
very tiny - high power
rod shaped (bacilli) round (cocci)
reported 1+,2+….
Uric acid crystals
Gout, leukemia (ppl receiving chemo)
4 sided, flat, yellow, red/brown
