Advantage of phase contrast for the identification of the cellular constituents of urinary sediment

: Phase contrast microscopic observation of the urinary sediment has to be performed on freshly collected urine. This technique, which permits an excellent definition of the cells and the maintenance of intra cellular motility, gives therefore a great accuracy in differential diagnosis, especially for little round cells. Among these, polynuclear granulocytes are easily recognized, because of their lobulated nuclei and of their numerous intra cytoplasmic motile granulations. Lymphocytes and lymphoblasts have round, regular, homogeneous nuclei. Renal tubular cells exhibit eccentric nuclei, with smudged chromatine, and round, refringent cytoplasmic vacuoles. Rapid and easy, this technic should be used for routine microscopic study or urinary sediments.