FREE Medical Laboratory Technician Urinalysis Microscopic Exam Questions and Answers

Question 1

A medical laboratory technician is performing a microscopic urinalysis.
They observe numerous small, ovoid, refractile structures, often budding, that are typically slightly smaller than red blood cells.
These structures stain positive with Sudan III stain.
What cellular element is most likely being observed?

Accepted Answer

Yeast cells

Answer

Red blood cells

Answer

Oil droplets

Answer

Calcium oxalate crystals

Question 2

Which of the following casts is most indicative of chronic renal failure, often seen as a sign of end-stage renal disease?

Accepted Answer

Waxy cast

Answer

Hyaline cast

Answer

Granular cast

Answer

Red blood cell cast

Question 3

A patient's urine microscopic exam reveals numerous white blood cells (WBCs) and bacteria, along with squamous epithelial cells. Which of the following findings would suggest a urinary tract infection (UTI) rather than a contaminated specimen?

Accepted Answer

The presence of WBC casts.

Answer

The presence of more than 50 squamous epithelial cells per high power field (HPF).

Answer

Bacteria observed without the presence of WBCs.

Answer

A urine pH of 8.5.

Question 4

During a routine urinalysis, a technician observes numerous 'Maltese cross' formations under polarized light within the urine sediment. Which of the following elements is most likely responsible for this finding?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol crystals

Answer

Calcium oxalate dihydrate crystals

Answer

Renal tubular epithelial cells

Answer

Uric acid crystals

Question 5

Which of the following elements in a urine microscopic exam is considered normal in small numbers (0-2 per high power field) but can significantly increase in conditions like strenuous exercise or fever?

Accepted Answer

Hyaline casts

Answer

Epithelial cell casts

Answer

Red blood cells

Answer

Transitional epithelial cells

Question 6

A microscopic urinalysis reveals numerous bacteria, increased white blood cells, and a positive nitrite test. Which of the following additional findings would strongly suggest the presence of a fungal infection, rather than a typical bacterial UTI?

Accepted Answer

The observation of budding yeast forms.

Answer

A urine pH of 5.0.

Answer

The presence of granular casts.

Answer

A positive leukocyte esterase test.