Diagnosis of Pregnancy by Cytologic Criteria in Catheterized Urine.

Abstract

Pregnancy causes distinct morphologic changes in the epithelium of the urinary tract which are reflected in the cytology of the “urine sediment smear.” There is an appearance of certain characteristic cell forms such as cells of the “navicular” type corresponding to those described in the vaginal smear of pregnancy. The urine sediment smear provides, thus, a simple, rapid and dependable method for diagnosing pregnancy. It appears to be superior to the vaginal smear in that its cytology shows greater uniformity and is more distinctive. Its practical value as a routine diagnostic procedure and its applicability in the early diagnosis of pregnancy are still to be determined.