Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Glitter cells (also called Sternheimer-Malbin positive cells) are polymorphonuclear leukocyte neutrophils with granules that show a Brownian movement and that are found in the urine, most commonly associated with urinary tract infections or pyelonephritis and especially prevalent under conditions of hypotonic urine (samples with specific gravity less than 1.01). [1]
A few white blood cells can normally be found in the urine of healthy individuals; females tend to have slightly more than males. An increased number of WBCs is termed pyuria or leukocyturia and is associated with infection or inflammation of the urinary tract.
Neutrophils are the most abundant white blood cells in the human body (approximately 10 11 are produced daily); they account for approximately 50–70% of all white blood cells (leukocytes). The stated normal range for human blood counts varies between laboratories, but a neutrophil count of 2.5–7.5 × 10 9 /L is a standard normal range.
There are four types of granulocytes (full name polymorphonuclear granulocytes): [3] Basophils; Eosinophils; Neutrophils; Mast cells; Except for the mast cells, their names are derived from their staining characteristics; for example, the most abundant granulocyte is the neutrophil granulocyte, which has neutrally staining cytoplasmic granules.
The test for leukocyte esterase is purely indicative and should not be solely relied on for diagnosis, as it does not replace microscopic or urine culture examinations. [19] The urine test strip reaction is based on the action of leukocyte esterase in catalysing the hydrolysis of an ester of indolecarboxylic acid.
Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a peroxidase enzyme that in humans is encoded by the MPO gene on chromosome 17. [5] MPO is most abundantly expressed in neutrophils (a subtype of white blood cells), and produces hypohalous acids to carry out their antimicrobial activity, including hypochlorous acid, the sodium salt of which is the chemical in bleach.
In urine cytology, collected urine is examined microscopically. One limitation, however, is the inability to definitively identify low-grade cancer cells and urine cytology is used mostly to identify high-grade tumors. [4] If the test detects atypical or cancerous cells, further tests may be recommended, such as cystoscopy and a CT scan.
Reference ranges for urine tests are described below: Measurement Lower limit Upper limit Unit ... Leukocytes: n/a: 0 / negative [2] See also. Reference range;