Distinguishing Between Red and White Cells

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course The Urine Microscopic: Microscopic Analysis of Urine Sediment. 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 (online CE course)
Distinguishing Between Red and White Cells

Many blood cells are visible in urine sediments, as observed in the top image. It is important to use the fine focus adjustment on the microscope when differentiating RBCs from WBCs.

Supravital stain can also help to distinguish RBCs from WBCs. Two RBCs are indicated by blue arrows, and a WBC is indicated by the red arrow in the lower image of a supravital-stained sediment.