Hexagonal crystals observed in a pediatric urine specimen are most strongly associated with which condition?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $24.99Unlock all

Study for the Clinical Laboratory Science Test: Urinalysis and Body Fluids. Prepare with interactive questions, detailed explanations, and insightful feedback. Ace your examination!

Multiple Choice

Hexagonal crystals observed in a pediatric urine specimen are most strongly associated with which condition?

Explanation:
Hexagonal crystals in urine point to a problem with amino acid handling in the kidney, specifically cystinuria. In this condition, there is a defect in the proximal tubule’s reabsorption of dibasic amino acids, causing excess cystine to spill into the urine. Cystine is poorly soluble and forms the distinctive hexagonal crystals, which can lead to kidney stones in children. This crystal pattern is not typical of a urinary infection, maple syrup urine disease, or glomerulonephritis, which present with different signs and findings. Therefore, the hexagonal crystals most strongly indicate cystinuria.

Hexagonal crystals in urine point to a problem with amino acid handling in the kidney, specifically cystinuria. In this condition, there is a defect in the proximal tubule’s reabsorption of dibasic amino acids, causing excess cystine to spill into the urine. Cystine is poorly soluble and forms the distinctive hexagonal crystals, which can lead to kidney stones in children. This crystal pattern is not typical of a urinary infection, maple syrup urine disease, or glomerulonephritis, which present with different signs and findings. Therefore, the hexagonal crystals most strongly indicate cystinuria.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy