Routine work with urine microscopy can lead to plenty of “surprises.” Sometimes not only the microscopic evaluation presents something new and unique, but the findings can be observed directly by looking at the sample. The original post on…
The influence of urine concentration on the cells we observe during urine microscopy is well known. Concentrated urine specimens with a high urine specific gravity (SG) preserve nucleated cellular morphology the best, however, some cellular structures (e.g.: erythrocytes)…
Urinary crystals are a frequent finding and there are several different types that can be observed under the microscope. We’ve discussed some of these crystals in a previous Urine Sediment of the Month post. Unlike these more common…
If you’re regular reader of Urine Sediment posts, you know all about red cells, white cells, and epithelial cells by now – but what about the zebras of the urine sediment? In 2019 we talked about the so-called…
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are among the most common medical disorders in the world. Bacteria are the main infectious agent that causes UTIs, and bacteriuria and leukocyturia are the hallmarks of urinary sediment in patients with UTI. Bacteria…
Eric Bywaters was the first to use the nomenclature “pigmented casts” in a 1941 British Medical Journal publication about crush syndrome where he illustrates pigmented casts (due to myoglobin) with a photomicrograph (Figure 1) of the kidney biopsy…
Several types of organisms can be identified in the urine sediment. Bacteria, fungi, and parasites are 3 classes of microorganims that can be found. 1. Bacteria Rods and cocci can be identified in the urine sediment and urinary…
BK virus (BKV) is a DNA virus that infects up to 90% of the adult population. After initial exposure in childhood, the virus becomes latent in urothelial tissues. In transplant patients, BKV can reactivate in the context of…
