Urine Microscopic Exam Flashcards
casts are composed of what protein
Tamm-Horsfall (uromodulin) protein excreted by renal tubular epithelial cells
casts are formed in the
distal convoluted tubule and collecting ducts (wider casts)
casts are reported as
number per low-power field
RBCs appear _____ in concentrated urine
crenated
RBCs appear _________ in dilute urine
larger empty cells (ghost cells)
______________ indicate glomerular bleeding
regular (dysmorphic) shapes)
RBCs sources of error
oil droplets, air bubbles, yeast cells (look for budding)
Urine RBCs clinical significance
glomerular membrane damage,Blleding in the urinary tract,renal calculi,malignancy
hemoglobinuria or myoglobinuria is indicated by
a clear red urine with a positive reagent strip RBC and no RBCs in the microscopic analysis
Eosinophils have red granules when stained with
Wright or Hansel stains
neutrophils that have swollen in dilute urine, resulting in Brownian movement of the granules in the cytoplasm
Glitter cells
describe glitter cells
neutrophils that have swollen in dilute urine, resulting in Brownian movement of the granules in the cytoplasm
WBCs sources of error
renal tubular epithelial cells, mononuclear lymphocytes, and monocytes
WBC urinalysis correlations
leukocyte esterase, nitrite, pH, and specific gravity (glitter cells)
WBCs CS
UTI (neutrophils),Drug-induced interstitial nephritis (eosinophils),malignancy (mononuclear cells)
largest cells in the urine sediment
Squamous cells.-represent normal sloughing of old lower genitourinary tract cells.*folded squamous cells may resemble urinary casts (look for a centrally located nucleus)
squamous epithelial cells covered with Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria, indicating a vaginal infection
Clue cells
Describe clue cells
squamous epithelial cells covered with Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria, indicating a vaginal infection
Transitional (urothelial) cells are found in
renal pelvis, ureters, bladder and male urethra.normally seen after catheterization procedures (often seen in clumps)
forms of transitional cells
spherical, caudate, and polyhedral.Spherical cells resemble renal tubular cells, except they have a centrally located nucleus.
increased transitional cells may indicate
malignancy
Renal tubular epithelial cells are found in
renal tubules and collecting duct.cell shape vary with location.Convoluted tubule cells are rectangular with coarse granules and may resemble a cast (look for a nucleus)Distal convoluted tubule cells are small and round, may resemble spherical transitional cells buth have an eccentric nucleus.Cells from collecting duct are cuboidal with at least one straight edge ad are frequently seen in clumps.
Renal Tubular Epithelial cells (RTE) CS
more than two RTE cells per HPF is significant.Tubular necrosis, often from poisoning or viral infections.RTE cells absorb filtrate and may be bilirubin stained (liver damage), contain hemosiderin granules (hemoglobin) or lipids.
RTE cells that have absorbed lipids
Oval fat bodies
describe oval fat bodies
RTE cells that have absorbed lipids.highly refractile.Seen in conjunction with free-floating lipids.confirm staining with oil red O, Sudan III, or polarized microscopy.
oval fat bodies CS
Nephrotic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, and crush injuries.
bacteria should be accompanied by
WBCs
bacteria sources of error
amorphous urates, phosphates, and old specimens with a high pH
bacteria CS
UTI
oval structures with buds or mycelia
yeast