Urinary sediment, 400x

Hematuria can be diagnosed when more than 5 red blood cells per field are observed when viewing the urinary sediment, obtained through natural miction, at 400x magnification. When the urine is obtained through cytocynthesis or a urinary catheter the sample can be contaminated with blood. At the center of the field is a leukocyte which is larger and more granular than the surrounding red blood cells.