Role of Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis in the Identification of Urinary Crystals

Authors

Saeed R. Khan, University of Florida
Raymond L. Hackett, University of Florida

Abstract

Urinary crystals can be identified by using analytical electron microscopic techniques of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis. Crystal habit can be recognised by scanning electron microscopy and their chemical nature by elemental analysis. With a conventional detector the lightest element that can routinely be detected is sodium, but with a windowless or thin window detector even carbon can be detected. Thus almost all the commonly occurring urinary crystals including uric acid can be analysed by energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis.

Recommended Citation

Khan, Saeed R. and Hackett, Raymond L. (1987) "Role of Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis in the Identification of Urinary Crystals," Scanning Microscopy: Vol. 1: No. 3, Article 54.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/microscopy/vol1/iss3/54