Quick Review Cards for Medical Laboratory Science

Normal Crystals Found in Alkaline Urine

Urinalysis and Body

Fluids Review 503

CRYSTAL DESCRIPTION COMMENTS

Amorphous phosphates

Triple phosphate

Ammonium biurate

Form white precipitate in bottom of tube.

Dissolve with 2% acetic acid.

Seen in old specimens.

Irregular granules

“Coffin-lid” crystal

Yellow-brown “thorn apples” & spheres

From Strasinger SK, Di Lorenzo MS. Urinalysis and Body Fluids, 5th ed. Philadelphia: FA Davis; 2008:113.
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