Urine microscopy is a diagnostic tool used to examine the microscopic components of urine. It helps identify abnormalities, infections, or diseases affecting the urinary tract or kidneys.
Procedure:
- A fresh, midstream urine sample is collected in a sterile container.
- The urine is spun in a centrifuge to separate solid particles (sediment) from the liquid portion.
- A drop of the sediment is placed on a glass slide and examined under a microscope.
- Cells, crystals, casts, microorganisms, and other elements are identified and counted.
Findings and Their Meanings
- Cells
- Crystals ****
- Microorganisms
- Casts
- Other Findings ****
CELLS
- Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Presence indicates bleeding in the urinary tract — seen in kidney stones, infection, trauma, or glomerulonephritis.
- White Blood Cells (WBCs): Suggests infection or inflammation in the kidneys or urinary tract (e.g., urinary tract infection, pyelonephritis).
- Epithelial Cells: Usually from the urinary tract lining; a few are normal, but many may indicate infection, inflammation, or contamination.
- Pus Cells: Large number indicates active infection, especially urinary tract infection (UTI).