Determining the origin of hematuria by immunocytochemical staining of erythrocytes in urine for Tamm-Horsfall protein.
OBJECTIVE
We analyzed the feasibility of immunocytochemical staining of urinary erythrocytes for Tamm-Horsfall protein to differentiate renal from nonrenal hematuria.


METHODS
Urine samples collected from 74 patients with hematuria were evaluated. Erythrocytes in urine were inspected morphologically and the same samples were immunocytochemically stained with antibody against human Tamm-Horsfall protein.


RESULTS
Erythrocytes in urine were clearly stained for Tamm-Horsfall protein in renal hematuria. Tamm-Horsfall protein immunocytochemistry was more consistent with clinical diagnosis than morphology.


CONCLUSIONS
Immunocytochemical staining of urine erythrocytes for Tamm-Horsfall protein appears to be a reliable tool to differentiate renal from nonrenal hematuria.
D003928:Diabetic Nephropathies / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000737:chemistry*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005921:Glomerulonephritis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D006417:Hematuria / Q000209:etiology* / Q000652:urine; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009088:Mucoproteins / Q000032:analysis*; D058949:Uromodulin
D009088:Mucoproteins; C548612:UMOD protein, human; D058949:Uromodulin