Correlation of Microscopic and Macroscopic Results
Once the microscopic examination is completed, it is important to decide whether the results are normal or abnormal. Correlation involves comparing the microscopic findings with the macroscopic findings. If the results are consistent with each other, the urinalysis may be reported. If a discrepancy exists, the microscopic results cannot be reported. The findings that do not correlate must be repeated. The following table illustrates results which may be found together in a urinalysis.
| Casts (may be accompanied by mucous) | - Possible positive protein reaction
|
| White Blood Cells (bacteria may accompany WBCs in microscopic) | - Possible positive protein reaction
- Possible alkaline pH (fresh)
- Possible cloudy urine
|
| Red Blood Cells | - Possible positive blood reaction
- Possible positive protein reaction
- Possible negative blood reaction (if only a few RBCs are seen)
- Possible cloudy urine
- Possible red or brown urine
|
| Bacteria (may be accompanied by WBCs) | - Possible alkaline pH (fresh)
- Possible positive protein reaction
- Possible cloudy urine
- Possible positive nitrite reaction
|
| Yeast (may be accompanied by WBCs) | - Possible glucose
- Possible cloudy urine
|
| Crystals | - Should suggest approximate pH
- Possible cloudy urine
- Possible high sp. gravity
|
| Trichomonas | - Possible cloudy urine due to increased WBCs and mucous
|
- Report the microscopic findings if they correlate with the macroscopic.
- Report common crystals if requested or when an unusual number of one type is present.
- Do not report abnormal crystals unless confirmed by further tests and pathologist.
- Do not report sperm.
