CLINICAL LAB SCIENEC

CHAPTER 12: PROCEDURES FOR URINALYSIS AND BODY FLUIDS 305
Components of Urine Sediment Most Frequently Found
Only a few types of microscopic elements are ordinarily found in normal urine specimens.
A standardized system such as KOVA enables the technician or technologist to provide
a quick and simple analysis of centrifuged urine sediment. Examples of commonly found
formed elements are provided in Figures 12-15 through 12-21. Figures 12-15 through 12-18
reveal types of cells that are found in low numbers in normal urine samples. Figure 12-19
shows an increased level of WBCs (1–2 would be normal) and Figures 12-20 and 12-21
depict more unusual findings, the latter of which may be significant when found in males
with prostatitis (inflammation or disease of the prostate glands).
Significance of Cells Found in Urine Sediment
The beginning laboratory student is often confused over what is normal and what is
abnormal, including the average numbers of various cell types found routinely in the
urine of normal persons. See Table 12-5 for normal levels of the cells shown in Figures
12-15 through 12-18.
Casts—Formed Elements in Kidney Tubules
Casts form in kidney tubules where small amounts of mucoprotein are secreted.
Sluggish flow of urine for a number of reasons, such as acidotic conditions, and
increased levels of certain solutes cause a gelling of the dissolved materials
FIGURE 12-15 Mixed cell types,
including squamous epithelial,
red, and white cells.
Source: Delmar/Cengage
Learning.
FIGURE 12-16 Renal tubular cell.
Source: Delmar/Cengage
Learning.
FIGURE 12-17 Squamous epithelial
cells and yeasts.
Source: Delmar/Cengage
Learning.
FIGURE 12-18 Leukocytes, or
white blood cells.
Source: Delmar/Cengage
Learning.
FIGURE 12-19 A protozoan
called trichomonas.
Source: Delmar/Cengage
Learning.
FIGURE 12-20 Spermatozoa
among other types of sediment.
Source: Delmar/Cengage
Learning.
FIGURE 12-21 Bacteria (may
result from contaminated
specimen or from an infection).
Source: Delmar/Cengage
Learning.
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