Microscopic findings should be correlated with the urine reagent strip findings. If the results are consistent, the urinalysis may be reported. If a discrepancy exists, the microscopic results cannot be reported. The findings that do not correlate must be repeated. Table 5 lists results that should correlate when performing a urinalysis.
Table 5. Microscopic Findings and their Urine Reagent Strip Findings.| Microscopic | Urine Reagent Strip Result |
| Oval fat bodies | - Positive protein - Damage to the glomerular membrane in the nephrotic syndrome allows passage of proteins and lipids from the blood into the urinary filtrate.
|
| White blood cells (bacteria may accompany WBCs in microscopic) | |
| Red blood cells | |
| Bacteria (may be accompanied by WBCs) | - Usually a positive nitrite reaction*
|
*Not all bacteria causing urinary tract infections reduce nitrate to nitrite (gram-positive bacteria do not). Urine may not be present in the bladder long enough for bacteria to reduce nitrate to nitrite. Bacteria would be seen microscopically in both cases, but nitrite would not be positive on the reagent strip.
