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Protocols to Dissolve Amorphous Urate Crystals in Urine
Kristina Jackson Behan1, Michael A Johnston2,3
1Medical Laboratory Sciences Department, University of West Florida, Pensacola, Florida, USA.
Prewarming urine specimens effectively dissolves amorphous urate crystals, improving urinalysis clarity. Sodium hydroxide can dissolve urates but negatively impacts white blood cell and red blood cell counts.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Urology
Background:
- Amorphous urate crystals frequently interfere with urinalysis.
- A standardized method to mitigate their interference is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate methods for dissolving amorphous urate crystals in urine specimens.
- To determine the impact of these methods on other urinalysis findings.
Main Methods:
- Urine specimens were analyzed, with those forming amorphous urates treated with sodium hydroxide or heat.
- Specimens were tested at various sodium hydroxide dilutions (1:2, 1:4) and temperatures.
Main Results:
- Amorphous urates formed in concentrated, acidic urine.
- Sodium hydroxide dissolved urates, aiding visualization of bacteria and yeast but reducing white blood cell and red blood cell counts.
- Prewarming specimens to 60°C for 90 seconds dissolved most amorphous urates.
Conclusions:
- Prewarming urine specimens is a recommended protocol to eliminate amorphous urate interference.
- Sodium hydroxide is effective for dissolving urates to detect bacteria and yeast but adversely affects cell counts.
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