Urine Microscopy Flashcards
What are Urinary Casts
Tiny epithelial tubes that can be found in urine
how are urinary casts formed?
precipitation of the tamm-horsfall protein
what is the tamm-horsfall protein
a kidney protein that is synthesised in epithelial cells of the loop of henle
what is the loop of henle
Thin rental tube where filtration occurs in the kidney
are urinary casts formed?
Low urine flow rate, high urinary salt concentration and low urine pH can cause protein denaturation and precipitation of tamm-horsfall protein
what causes hyaline casts
solidified tamm-horsfall protein in tubes of kindeys from dehydration, reduced urine flow or lots of exercise
What causes granular casts (fine)
breakdown of cellular casts or protein aggregates
What can granular casts indicate?
Chronic renal disease
What causes waxy casts?
low urine flow
What can waxy casts indicate?
Chronic renal disease/failure
What do RBC casts indicate
Nephritic syndromes or urinary tract injury
What do WBC casts indicate
inflammation or infection, usually pyelonephritis
What do bacterial casts indicate
neutrophils killing bacteria - infection
What do epithelial casts indicate
acute tubular necrosis or acute interstitial nephritis
what is the main abnormal crystal seen in urine
Cystine Crystals
