Microscopic Examination of Urine - Human Biology MSc Lecture 3

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of centrifuging a urine sample at relatively low speed?

To dissolve the sediment in the urine

To reduce the volume of the urine sample

To concentrate the red blood cells in the urine

To separate the sediment from the supernatant (correct)

What is the significance of finding abnormal numbers of red blood cells in urine?

It indicates contamination from the vagina in menstruating women

It is a result of physical stress or urinary tract infections

It could be due to urinary tract stones or nephrotoxins

It may indicate glomerular damage or kidney trauma (correct)

Where are urinary casts formed?

In the proximal convoluted tubule

In the glomerulus

In the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) or collecting duct (correct)

In the loop of Henle

What can the presence of pus cells (wbc) in urine suggest?

Infection in the upper or lower urinary tract Signup and view all the answers

What is used to cover slip a drop of resuspended sediment on a glass slide?

Cover slip Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended volume left inside the test tube after decanting the supernatant?

0.2 to 0.5 ml Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary composition of hyaline casts?

Mucoprotein Signup and view all the answers

In which condition are RBC casts formed?

Glomerular disease Signup and view all the answers

Where are WBC casts commonly seen?

Acute pylonephritis Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common reason for mucus to appear in urine?

Urinary Tract Infection Signup and view all the answers

What causes the appearance of sperm or spermatozoa in urine?

Prostatitis Signup and view all the answers

Why are bacteria common in urine specimens?

Abundant normal microbial flora of the vagina or external urethra Signup and view all the answers

Which organism is often difficult to distinguish from red blood cells and amorphous crystals in urine specimens?

Yeast (monellia) cells Signup and view all the answers

What are common crystals seen in healthy patients?

Calcium oxalate, triple phosphate crystals, and amorphous phosphates Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is associated with the presence of granular and waxy casts in urine?

Nephrotic syndrome Signup and view all the answers

Which parasite is included in urine specimens?

Trichomonas vaginalis Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Centrifugation and Urine Analysis

Centrifuging a urine sample at a relatively low speed helps to preserve formed elements like casts and cells.

Urine Sediment Analysis

Abnormal numbers of red blood cells in urine indicate bleeding or inflammation in the urinary tract.
Urinary casts are formed in the kidney tubules.

Cells in Urine

The presence of pus cells (WBC) in urine suggests urinary tract infection (UTI).
WBC casts are commonly seen in pyelonephritis, an infection of the kidney.

Preparing Urine Samples

A drop of resuspended sediment is covered with a coverslip on a glass slide.

Urine Casts

Hyaline casts are primarily composed of Tamm-Horsfall protein.
RBC casts are formed in cases of glomerulonephritis.
Granular and waxy casts are associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Mucus and Sperm in Urine

Mucus in urine is most commonly due to contamination from the genital tract.
Sperm or spermatozoa in urine are often due to retrograde ejaculation.

Bacteria and Parasites in Urine

Bacteria are common in urine specimens due to contamination during collection.
The parasitic infection, Trichomonas, is sometimes detected in urine specimens.
Yeast cells are often difficult to distinguish from red blood cells and amorphous crystals in urine specimens.

Crystals in Urine

Common crystals seen in healthy patients include oxalate, phosphate, and uric acid crystals.

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Description

Explore the process of microscopic examination of urine in this lecture from the Human Biology MSc program. Learn about centrifugation, sediment preparation, and the analysis of urine sediment under a microscope.