ASCP Urinalysis and Body Fluids

Question 1

Which urine dipstick pad detects the presence of leukocyte esterase, indicating:

Accepted Answer

Pyuria (white blood cells in urine)

Answer

Leukocyte esterase is released by lysed neutrophils; a positive result suggests pyuria and possible urinary tract infection.

Question 2

Normal urine specific gravity ranges from:

Accepted Answer

1.001–1.035

Answer

Normal urine specific gravity is 1.001–1.035, reflecting the kidney's ability to concentrate and dilute urine.

Question 3

Waxy casts in urine sediment indicate:

Accepted Answer

Severe chronic renal failure

Answer

Waxy casts form in dilated, atrophied tubules from long-standing nephron obstruction and indicate advanced chronic renal failure.

Question 4

A urine dipstick positive for blood but negative microscopy for RBCs suggests:

Accepted Answer

Hemoglobinuria or myoglobinuria

Answer

The dipstick detects hemoglobin and myoglobin; free hemoglobin (hemolysis) or myoglobin (rhabdomyolysis) gives a positive without intact RBCs.

Question 5

Clue cells seen in vaginal wet prep are characteristic of:

Accepted Answer

Bacterial vaginosis (Gardnerella vaginalis)

Answer

Clue cells are squamous epithelial cells covered with Gardnerella vaginalis, obliterating the cell border in bacterial vaginosis.

ASCP Practice Test