Urinalysis: Core Curriculum 2008

(A) Isomorphic erythrocytes, some with a “crenated” appearance (arrows); (B) different types of dysmorphic erythrocytes; (C) acanthocytes or G1 cells with their typical shape (arrows); and (D) proximal renal tubular cells with round shape, large nucleus, and granular cytoplasm.

(A) “Oval fat bodies” or macrophages packed with lipid droplets. (B) The same particles seen by polarized light. Note the Maltese crosses with symmetrical arms.

(A) A finely granular cast; (B) a waxy cast with the typical “melted wax” appearance, irregular edges, and high refractive index; (C) an erythrocyte cast; and (D) a renal tubular epithelial cell (RTEC) cast with RTECs easily identifiable because of their large nucleus.

(A) A cholesterol crystal made up of plates heaped 1 upon another. Note the clear-cut edges and corners. (B) Cystine crystals heaped 1 upon another. Note the irregular hexagonal shape. (C) Birefringent star-like crystals of ciprofloxacin. (D) Amoxicillin crystals appearing as needles, shocks of wheat, and “broom bush,” all strongly birefringent under polarized light.