Artifacts
Artifacts are substances observed under a microscope that are found in urine through accidental contamination. They are of no clinical interest. Some of the most common artifacts include glass debris, air bubbles, fabric fibres and human or animal hair. With the more widespread use of latex gloves, starch crystals or talcum powder can also be found.
Term of the Week
Predictive medicine
Medicine that links medical knowledge with data to predict a patient’s potential health problems. Examples include artificial intelligence and genetics.