Quick Review Cards for Medical Laboratory Science

Abnormal Crystals*

Urinalysis and Body

Fluids Review 505

CRYSTAL DESCRIPTION SIGNIFICANCE COMMENTS

Leucine

Tyrosine

Cystine

Often seen with tyrosine.

Often seen with leucine.

Must differentiate from uric acid.

Doesn’t polarize light. Confirm by

cyanide-nitroprusside test.

Yellow, oily-looking spheres.

Radial & concentric striations.

Fine yellow needles in sheaves

or rosettes.

Hexagonal (6-sided).

Severe liver disease

Severe liver disease

Cystinuria

From Strasinger SK, Di Lorenzo MS. Urinalysis and Body Fluids, 5th ed. Philadelphia: FA Davis; 2008:117.

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