Urine sediment may also contain white blood cells (WBCs). Most of the WBCs in urine are segmented neutrophils. Since lymphocytes, monocytes, and/or eosinophils may be present, the cells in urine can be stained if it is necessary to differentiate them. The segmented neutrophils in the top image, indicated by the blue arrows, show distinct nuclear segmentation.
When viewing urinary sediment under the microscope, the fine focus adjustment must be used to identify WBCs.
WBCs swell in dilute alkaline urine, and the cytoplasmic granules exhibit Brownian movement, resulting in "glitter cells." These cells lyse rapidly. "Glitter cells" are most easily seen when viewed under phase-contrast microscopy.
In the bottom image, phase-contrast microscopy (400× magnification) was used to view the WBCs in this microscopic field.
