The urinary sediment is given by the set of microscopic cellular and non-cellular debris that can be found in the urine, in variable concentrations depending on the patient's state of health. The examination of these sediments, through the microscope or recently introduced automated techniques, represents an integral part of the traditional urine tests, able to provide useful indications for the diagnosis of numerous pathologies.
Depending on the needs, in the urinary sediment it is possible to search and quantify the presence of blood cells, such as red and white blood cells, epithelial cells, microorganisms, etc. The urine sample is taken in the morning, because at this time the urine is more acidic and concentrated, therefore allowing easier identification of the cellular elements and cylinders. Then proceed with the centrifugation and any coloring; the important thing is that the urine is fresh, to avoid increases in pH and loss of cellular and organized elements.
The urines of healthy subjects contain a very limited number of red blood cells (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells) and cylinders. In relation to the morphology and the qualitative and quantitative aspects of these elements, the examination of the urinary sediment can provide useful indications for the diagnosis of important pathologies, such as urethritis, prostatitis, balanitis, cystitis, kidney stones (lithiasis), glomerulonephritis, candidiasis, nephropathy diabetic, nephrotic syndrome, neoplasms, heavy metal intoxication, systemic lupus erythematosus, parasitosis, liver damage and many other diseases related to alterations of the urinary sediment.
