and Laboratory Methods. 



2003 



TUBE CASTS. 



Tube casts are probably the coagulable portion of the blood which passes 

 into the uriniferous tubules, coagulates, and is then washed out by the urine. 

 There are many kinds of casts, which should be carefully studied as they are of 

 the greatest diagnostic significance. 



Fig. XVI. — Hyaline cast. Sediment from centrifuge ; 

 slightlj' stained with carmine to photograph. Mag- 

 nified 150 diameters ; y< objective ; Zeiss projection 

 ocular No. 4. 



Fig. XVII. — Fatty cast. Treated same as Fig. XVI. 



Hyaline casts are colorless, almost transparent structures. They are soluble 

 in acetic acid, and in consequence should be examined from urine that has not 

 been treated in any way. Fill the tubes of a centrifuge with urine and revolve 

 them for three minutes. Decant the urine and transfer a drop of the sediment 



Fig. XVIII. — Waxy Cast. Treated same as Fig. XVI. 



Fig. XIX. — Epithelial cast. Stained with hxmato.xylin. 

 Magnified 150 diameters; 73 objective; Zeiss pro- 

 jection ocular No. 4. 



to a clean slip. Lay a hair in the drop and apply a cover. Examine with a low 

 power. Hyaline casts are very difficult to see as they are almost transparent. 

 Reduce the light until the field is quite dark, and if possible, move the mirror to 

 throw the light on the object obliquely. Casts are larger than any of the other 

 elements in the urine and can hardly be misinterpreted. 



