Effective chemical preservation of morphology of urinary erythrocytes

Pediatr Nephrol. 2003 Jul;18(7):665-6. doi: 10.1007/s00467-003-1149-6. Epub 2003 May 14.

Abstract

Between 2 and 4 h after miction the morphology of urinary erythrocytes has changed, clouding the distinction between glomerular and non-glomerular bleeding in pediatric patients. Glomerular bleeding is characterized by microscopically visible alteration in urinary erythrocytes due to glomerular disease. Fixation by Cellfix, a formaldehyde-based fixative, allows the preservation of the morphology for at least 24 h and can be recommended for clinical practice. In our experience, thiomersal was not effective for preservation of the morphology of erythrocytes.

MeSH terms

  • Acanthocytes / ultrastructure
  • Child
  • Erythrocytes / ultrastructure*
  • Fixatives
  • Formaldehyde
  • Glomerulonephritis / blood
  • Glomerulonephritis / urine
  • Glomerulonephritis, IGA / blood
  • Glomerulonephritis, IGA / urine
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative / blood
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative / urine
  • Hematuria / blood*
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Phase-Contrast
  • Specimen Handling / methods*
  • Time Factors
  • Tissue Fixation / methods*

Substances

  • Fixatives
  • Formaldehyde