Urinalysis – Physical And Biochemical Practice Test

Which statement about crystal polarization is true?

Uric acid crystals polarize; cystine crystals do not Both uric acid and cystine crystals polarize under polarized light Only cystine crystals polarize under polarized light Neither uric acid nor cystine crystals polarize under polarized light

Correct Answer:

Uric acid crystals polarize; cystine crystals do not

Explanation:

Polarized light microscopy tests whether crystals are birefringent, meaning they split light into two rays and show color changes as you rotate the stage. Uric acid crystals have a crystal structure that makes them birefringent, so they polarize under polarized light and display the characteristic color changes. Cystine crystals, by contrast, do not exhibit birefringence under the same conditions, so they do not polarize. This difference helps clinicians distinguish uric acid crystals from cystine crystals in urine sediment.

Access more questions from this quiz

Continue to Urinalysis – Physical and Biochemical Practice Test for more practice questions and the full quiz experience.

Access More Questions