Globe amaranth

Glitter cells are a type of white blood cell that appear in the urine under certain pathological conditions. They are named for their distinctive sparkling appearance under a microscope, which is caused by the presence of granules within the cell that refract light in a unique way.

Characteristics

Glitter cells are a variant of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the body's immune system. They are characterized by their granular appearance and their ability to refract light, giving them a glittering or sparkling appearance under the microscope. This is due to the presence of lysosomal granules within the cell, which contain various enzymes that are involved in the immune response.

Clinical significance

The presence of glitter cells in the urine, a condition known as glitter cell pyuria, is often indicative of a urinary tract infection (UTI). They can also be seen in other conditions that cause inflammation of the urinary tract, such as kidney stones or glomerulonephritis.

Glitter cells are typically detected through a urinalysis, a common laboratory test that examines the physical and chemical properties of urine. The presence of these cells can help healthcare providers diagnose and treat urinary tract conditions.

See also

• White blood cell
• Neutrophil
• Urinary tract infection
• Urinalysis