What is the examination of any cells or other formed elements in urine called?

• A. Urine clearance
• B. Urine sediment examination
• C. Urinalysis
• D. Urine cytology

Answer: (B)

The examination of any cells or other formed elements in urine is urine sediment examination. This microscopic analysis concentrates the urine sediment (often by centrifugation) and then looks for things like red and white blood cells, epithelial cells, crystals, casts, and bacteria. It’s the specific part of urinalysis that focuses on the formed elements rather than the chemical or gross aspects of the urine. Urine cytology, while also microscopic, is a specialized test aimed at identifying abnormal or malignant urothelial cells, not the general array of formed elements. Urine clearance is a functional measure of kidney filtration, not a direct look at urine contents. So the term that best describes examining cells and other formed elements is urine sediment examination.