A 22-year-old female clinical laboratory student performs a urinalysis on her own urine as part of a lab class. Significant results include: color = yellow; appearance = cloudy; pH = 7.5; nitrite = positive; leukocyte esterase - 2+; 25^0 WBC/hpf; 0-3 RBC/hpf; 2-5 squamous epithelial cells/hpf; moderate bacteria. All other chemistries and microscopic results were normal. These findings suggest A. Glomerulonephritis B. Upper urinary tract infection C. Lower urinary tract infection D. Nephrolithiasis {Ans: C. Lower urinary tract infection This student has a lower urinary tract infection (UTI), also known as cystitis. The major distinguishing features between upper and lower UTI include the presence of protein and casts in an upper UTI and not in a lower UTI. This is because both urine protein excretion and cast formation reflect what is happening within the kidney itself. The most common source of either upper or lower UTIs is contamination by enteric gram-negative bacteria.}To detect more easily the presence of casts in urine sediments, which microscopic method can be used? A. Fluorescent microscopy B. Phase-contrast microscopy C. Polarized microscopy D. Brightfield microscopy {Ans: B. Phase-contrast microscopy Formed elements in the urine, such as cells and casts, are more easily differentiated