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Use of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray for urine analysis: A preliminary investigation.

Authors :
Yacouba, Abdourahamane
Bellali, Sara
Haddad, Gabriel
Mavros, Noelle
Fontanini, Anthony
Dubourg, Grégory
Lagier, Jean‐Christophe
Raoult, Didier
Bou Khalil, Jacques
Source :
Microscopy Research & Technique; Oct2023, Vol. 86 Issue 10, p1249-1257, 9p
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) are powerful tools to study the ultrastructure of numerous specimens and to determine their elemental composition, respectively. However, results have not yet been reported on their application to urine samples in routine clinical laboratory practice. Herein we investigate urine sediment by using SEM and EDX to detect and identify different urine components. A total of 206 urine samples from patients with and without urinary tract infections were analyzed using SEM and EDX. Microorganisms, crystals, epithelial cells, leukocytes, and erythrocytes were targeted in urine sediment samples. The identification of urine components was based on their morphology, size, contrast, and elemental composition. SEM‐analysis allowed us to identify and classify microorganisms in urine sediments into the categories of gram‐negative bacilli, cluster cocci, chain cocci, gram‐negative bacilli, gram‐positive bacilli, and yeasts. In addition, various types of epithelial cells such as renal, transitional, and squamous epithelial cells were found. Furthermore, leukocytes and erythrocytes were well identified, with the detection of various morphological forms of erythrocytes, such as dysmorphic and isomorphic erythrocytes. Using SEM–EDX analysis, calcium oxalate was the most frequently‐identified crystal (92.0%), with prominent peaks of C, O, and Ca elements, followed by struvite (6%), with peaks of Mg, P, O, and N. These preliminary data suggest that the two complementary SEM–EDX analyses can be used to detect and identify microorganisms and crystals in urine samples. Further studies are still needed to apply SEM–EDX to urine sediment analysis. SEM–EDX analyses provided comparative results with the routine results, with accurate identification, high resolution and deep focus compared to the routine urinalysisSEM‐analysis allowed us to identify and classify microorganisms in urine sediments into the categories of gram‐negative bacilli, cluster cocci, chain cocci, gram‐negative bacilli, gram‐positive bacilli and yeasts.SEM–EDX analysis enabled the accurate identification of crystals based on both morphology and elemental composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1059910X
Volume :
86
Issue :
10
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Microscopy Research & Technique
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
172273666
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1002/jemt.24301