Cholesterol is synthesized in the liver from dietary fats. It is transported in the blood by the low density lipoproteins (LDLs, or “bad” cholesterol) and high density lipoproteins ...

 

Fatty casts are identified by the presence of refractile lipid droplets within the protein matrix of the cast. The background matrix of the cast may be hyaline or granular in nature. ...

Struvite crystals (magnesium ammonium phosphate, triple phosphate) usually appear as colorless, 3-dimensional, prism-like crystals (“coffin lids”). Occasionally, they instead ...

The hepatobiliary tree represents hepatic cells and biliary tract cells. Inflammation of the hepatic cells results in elevation in the alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase ...

Phenylketonuria Test (PKU Test, Guthrie Test, Phenylalanine): Phenylalanine hydroxylase is an enzyme which converts phenylalanine to tyrosine. A deficiency of this enzyme leads to ...

Prealbumin is a plasma protein synthesized by the liver. It is considered the best marker for malnutrition. It has a half-life of 2 days, so prealbumin levels change very quickly and ...

Waxy casts have a smooth consistency but are more refractile and therefore easier to see in a regular wet sediment preparation of urine compared to hyaline casts. They commonly have ...

Gliadin is part of the gluten protein found in wheat. Gliadin antibodies, also known as antigliadin antibodies (AGA) form in some individuals who are exposed to gluten over a period ...

The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is performed to rule out diabetes by evaluating the rate at which glucose is removed from the blood stream. Following administration of an oral ...