Urine

Question 1

When would urine be alkaline?

Answer 1

UTIs, renal tubular acidosis, and loop diuretics.

Question 2

What do WBCs and bacteria on urine microscopy indicate?

Answer 2

Infection

Question 3

What do normal RBCs vs dysmorphic RBCs on urine microscopy indicate?

Answer 3

1. Normal RBCs - bleeding along urine tract (stones, malignancy, infection, inflammation)
2. Dysmorphic RBCs - squeezed through glomerular membrane (intrinsic renal disease)

Question 4

What do casts in urine microscopy indicate?

Answer 4

1. Cells passed into renal tubule get stuck together
2. RBC casts and dysmorphic - glomerulonephritis
3. WBC casts - pyelonephritis/interstitial nephritis