Body Fluids HW8 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What are oval fat bodies, and how can the kinds of lipids present be determined?

Oval fat bodies are lipid-containing renal tubular epithelial (RTE) cells. They are identified by staining the urine sediment with Sudan III or Oil Red O fat stains.

What is the clinical significance of oval fat bodies in urine?

Lipiduria is most frequently observed in nephrotic syndrome, associated with damage to the glomerulus.

What does the appearance of WBC casts in urine signify?

The appearance of WBC casts signifies infection or inflammation within the nephron.

What criteria determine the significance of bacteria in urine for UTI?

Bacteria should be accompanied by WBCs to be considered significant for UTI. Signup and view all the answers

How do yeast cells appear in urine?

Yeast cells appear as small, refractile oval structures that may or may not contain a bud. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Trichomonas trophozoite, and how can it be identified?

The Trichomonas trophozoite is a pear-shaped flagellate that can be identified by its rapid darting movement in urine sediment. Signup and view all the answers

What are spermatozoa, and under what circumstances are they found in urine?

Spermatozoa are oval, slightly tapered cells that may be found in urine following sexual intercourse, masturbation, or nocturnal emission. Signup and view all the answers

What is mucus in urine, and what is its clinical significance?

Mucus is a protein material produced by glands and epithelial cells of the lower genitourinary tract. Signup and view all the answers

Where are casts formed, and how does that make them unique?

Casts are formed within the lumens of the distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts, making them unique to the kidney. Signup and view all the answers

What is the major constituent of casts, and under what conditions is its excretion rate increased?

The major constituent of casts is uromodulin, and its excretion rate increases under conditions of stress and exercise. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most frequently seen cast, and under what conditions would increased numbers be seen?

The most frequently seen cast is the hyaline type, which consists almost entirely of uromodulin. Signup and view all the answers

What are granular dirty brown casts associated with?

Granular dirty brown casts are associated with hemoglobinuria or myoglobinuria and are indicative of acute tubular necrosis. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Oval Fat Bodies (OFBs)

Oval fat bodies are lipid-containing renal tubule epithelial (RTE) cells found in urine.
Typically observed with free-floating fat droplets during microscopic examination.
Identification requires staining with Sudan III or Oil Red O, revealing orange-red droplets from triglycerides and neutral fats, and Maltese cross formations for cholesterol.

Clinical Significance of Lipiduria

Lipiduria is defined as the presence of lipids in urine.
Commonly associated with nephrotic syndrome and indicates glomerular damage.
May also arise in conditions like tubular necrosis, diabetes mellitus, and trauma.

White Blood Cell (WBC) Casts

Presence of WBC casts indicates infection or inflammation in the nephron.
Most commonly linked to pyelonephritis, a type of upper urinary tract infection (UTI).
Helps differentiate between pyelonephritis and cystitis (a lower UTI) and can accompany RBC casts in glomerulonephritis.

Bacteria in Urine

Significant UTIs are indicated by the presence of bacteria along with WBCs.
Observations from fresh specimens enhance the reliability of urine culture results.
Most UTI-related bacteria belong to Enterobacteriaceae family (gram-negative rods); also includes cocci-shaped Staphylococcus and Enterococcus.

Yeast in Urine

Yeast cells appear as small, refractile oval structures, with severe infections showing branched forms.
Primarily associated with Candida albicans, often found in diabetic and immunocompromised patients.
True infections are indicated by concurrent presence of WBCs.

Trichomonas

Trichomonas trophozoites are pear-shaped flagellates with distinct rapid movements in urine.
Typically reported as rare to many per high power field (hpf).
T. vaginalis is a sexually transmitted pathogen linked to vaginal inflammation, often asymptomatic in males.

Spermatozoa

Identified by their oval heads and long tails in urine sediment.
Presence may result from sexual activity, masturbation, or nocturnal emission; often clinically insignificant except in male infertility cases.
Increased semen may cause a positive protein test strip.

Mucus in Urine

Mucus originates from the lower genitourinary tract's glands and RTE cells, primarily consists of uromodulin.
More commonly found in female urine specimens, and usually considered clinically insignificant.

Casts Formation

Casts are unique to kidney urine elements formed in distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts.
Their shape mirrors the tubular lumen, potentially containing filtrate elements and lacking nuclei.

Major Constituent of Casts

Uromodulin serves as the primary component of casts.
Excretion rates rise during stress and exercise, contributing to transient hyaline casts.
Conditions like urine-flow stasis, acidic urine, and sodium and calcium presence promote gelling.

Hyaline Casts

Hyaline casts are the most frequently observed type in urine and consist mainly of uromodulin.
Increased numbers can occur due to strenuous exercise, dehydration, heat exposure, or emotional stress.
Pathological increases observed in acute glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, chronic renal disease, and congestive heart failure.

Granular Dirty Brown Casts

Associated with hemoglobinuria or myoglobinuria, showing orange-red or red-brown appearances.
Indicate acute tubular necrosis, often resulting from massive hemoglobinuria, a risk factor for renal failure.
Their presence must be correlated with other pathologic findings like RTE cells and a positive blood test.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the identification and characteristics of oval fat bodies found in body fluids. Students will learn how to determine the types of lipids present through various staining techniques and microscopic examination. Enhance your understanding of lipid analysis in clinical settings.