Manual of basic techniques for a health laboratory - libdoc.who.int

248 Manual of basic techniques for a health laboratoryFig. 7.33 Cholesterol crystalsFig. 7.34 Bilirubin crystalsFig. 7.35 FungiFig. 7.36 Schistosoma haematobiumBilirubin (very rare) (Fig. 7.34)Size: about 5mm.Shape: square or like beads or needles.Colour: brown.(The chemical test for bile pigments is positive.)Acetyl sulfonamides (neutral or acid urine)Shape: varied, but often similar to sheaves of needles.Acetyl sulfonamide crystals are found in the urine following treatment withsulfonamide drugs. The presence of these crystals should be reported as they cancause kidney damage.Fungi (Fig. 7.35)Size: 5–12mm.Shape: round or oval bodies of various sizes found together. Do not confuse witherythrocytes. Budding may be seen. Fungi are not soluble in acetic acid.Fungi are occasionally present in urine containing glucose. Check that the urinespecimen is fresh.Parasite eggs and larvaeThe following may be found:— eggs of Schistosoma haematobium: found together with erythrocytes (Fig. 7.36);— microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti (see Fig. 4.121): the urine appears whiteand cloudy.