Correlation of Results

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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.

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Correlation of Results

Microscopic findings should be correlated with the urine reagent strip findings. If the results are consistent with each other, the urinalysis may be reported. If a discrepancy exists, the microscopic results cannot be reported. The findings that do not correlate must be repeated. Table 5 lists results that should correlate when performing a urinalysis.
Table 5. Microscopic Findings and their Urine Reagent Strip Findings.
MicroscopicUrine Reagent Strip Result
Oval fat bodies
  • Positive protein--Damage to the glomerular membrane in the nephrotic syndrome allows passage of proteins and lipids from the blood into the urinary filtrate.
White blood cells (bacteria may accompany WBCs in microscopic)
  • Positive leukocytes
Red blood cells
  • Positive blood
Bacteria (may be accompanied by WBCs)
  • Usually a positive nitrite reaction*
*Not all bacteria causing urinary tract infections reduce nitrate to nitrite (gram positive bacteria does not). Urine may not be present in the bladder long enough for bacteria to reduce nitrate to nitrite. Bacteria would be seen microscopically, but nitrite would not be positive on the reagent strip in both cases.