An Introduction to Quantitating the Urine Microscopic

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course The Urine Microscopic: Microscopic Analysis of Urine Sediment [retired 6/23/2016]. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about The Urine Microscopic: Microscopic Analysis of Urine Sediment [retired 6/23/2016] (online CE course)
An Introduction to Quantitating the Urine Microscopic

In order for a urinalysis to be useful a physician must know not only what elements are present but the quantity of each. This section will deal with counting and estimating the microscopic elements found in the urine sediment. The quantifications may vary slightly between laboratories, but each lab should have its own criteria.

Quantitation may be divided into three steps:

  • Looking for casts
  • Counting elements
  • Estimating elements