foreign bodies seen in urine are for example gravels or sloughed renal
papillae.- Dip-stick test: These are plastic strips, attached to it are pieces of
paper impregnated with different enzymes. Each piece contains an
enzyme which reacts specifically with certain urine chemicals (e.g.
glucose, albumin, acetone, H+, nitrite, haemoglobin, etc.). According
to the concentration of the chemical tested, a certain change in colour
occurs (0, 1+, 2+, 3+, 4+). - Microscopic examination of urine is a method for detection of cells
(RBC's, leukocytes, pus, epithelial cells), casts (hyaline casts, red cells
casts, leucocyte casts, granular casts or broad casts), or crystals (triple
phosphate, uric acid, oxalate or cystine) (Figure 2.1). - Quantitative estimation of proteinuria: This is achieved through
quantitation of protein in 24 hours urine collection (normally less than
150 mg/24hours) - Examination of urine for Bence Jones protein: Normally this could not
be detected by Dip-Stix and needs immunoelectrophoresis. This
protein precipitates on heating at 56°C and redissolves at 100°C or
more. It is present in cases of multiple myeloma, amyloidosis and
other types of macroglobulinemias.
II. RENAL FUNCTION TESTS:
These includes tests for glomerular and tubular functions.
a. TESTS FOR GLOMERULAR FUNCTION
These include test for serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and
glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
1- Serum creatinine : In routine practice serum creatinine level is the
best indicator of kidney function (normally is 0.6-1.2 mg/dl).