Which staining method is primarily used for interpreting cellular composition in urine sediments?

The Steihimer-Malbin stain is specifically designed to highlight cellular elements in urine sediments, making it particularly effective for identifying and interpreting various types of cells, such as epithelial cells, red blood cells, and white blood cells. This stain enhances contrast, allowing for better visualization of these cells under a microscope.

Using the Steihimer-Malbin stain in urine analysis can provide valuable insights into a patient’s health, as changes in cellular composition may indicate pathology or disease. For instance, the presence of increased red blood cells can suggest bleeding, while an abundance of white blood cells might indicate an infection.

Other staining methods may serve different diagnostic purposes or be used for other types of samples, but the Steihimer-Malbin stain is the most relevant for the direct analysis of cellular components in urine sediments.