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Urinary crystals are identified by urine cytology. Not all crystals indicate disease. Oxalates, phosphates and urate crystals are commonly seen in urine cytology specimens. Crystals may precipice from a variety of drugs if a patient is not properly hydrated. Some of the most commonly seen include ampicillin, and sulfonamides. Radiographic contrast material may present crystal-like structures. Uric acid crystals may be seen in the urine of patients with gout. Pathologic crystals, cystine, tyrosine and leucine are rarely observed but when they are seen they must be reported. Knowledge of the urinary PH is an important aid in the proper identification of urine crystals. Examples of common and pathologic crystals are demonstrated.
Calcium Oxalate Crystals. Papanicolaou stain. 400X Magnification.
Tripe phosphate crystals. Papanicolaou stain. 400X Magnification.
Uric Acid Crystals. Papanicolaou stain. 250X Magnification.
Cystine Crystals. Papanicolaou stain. 400X Magnification.
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