Introduction

Microscopic examination of urinary sediment can identify formed elements and thus provide information on the pathology of the kidney and urinary tract. Besides test strips, this is one of the oldest methods commonly practiced in the laboratory. It is very useful if performed correctly.

The kidney is the only organ for which such a simple and non-invasive means of identifying a pathology exists.  It can be said, therefore, that the analysis of urine sediment is a "physiological renal biopsy”.

Pathology Protein Leukocytes Erythrocytes Bacteria Casts
Normal 0 - trace 0 - 5 0 - 5 0 none
or hyaline
Pyelonephritis
acute ++ - +++ in mass

0 - 5,except
in hemorragical forms

pos. leukocyte,
granular
chronic + - ++ in mass 0 - 5 0 – pos. leukocyte,
granular
Glomerulonephritis
acute ++ - +++ 5 - 20 in mass
echinocytes 		0 erythtocyte,
granular
chronic ++ - +++ 5 – 20 5 - 20   erythtocyte,
granular

Nephrotic
syndrome

+ - +++ 0 – 5 0 - 5 0 eptithelial, waxy,
oval fat bodies