Unnecessary microscopy in routine urinalysis.

The consequence of omitting urine sediment microscopy in specimens with normal physicochemical testing was assessed in a retrospective review of laboratory and clinical data in 1,000 patients. The pathologic states of clinical significance most likely to be overlooked were Trichomonas infection and occasional cases of significant bacteriuria. However, the medical benefit of performing urine microscopy in these two groups of patients was not clear. The authors cautiously recommend reserving microscopy for urine specimens that show physicochemical abnormalities.