The unit 'cacells' simply represents the number of cells. This unit is used to indicate semiquantitative concentrations of leukocytes and blood in samples tested with a urinalysis strip.
For leukocytes, 'cacells' refers to the number of white blood cells (WBCs). For example, a value of 125 cacells/µL indicates there are 125 white blood cells per microliter in each high-powered field (HPF).
For blood, 'cacells' refers to the number of red blood cells (RBCs). For example, a value of 90 cacells/µL means there are 90 red blood cells per microliter in each high-powered field (HPF).
*In pathology, a 'High-Powered Field' (HPF) refers to the area visible under high magnification through a microscope. Pathologists often switch between different magnifications when examining samples. The high-powered field typically uses a 40x objective lens, which provides a detailed view of the cells and tissues.
In pathology reports, observations such as the number of cells, types of cells, or the presence of abnormal features are often quantified or described per high-powered field. This standardizes measurements and comparisons, as the HPF provides a consistent field of view size across different samples and microscopes.
Urinalysis strip (dipstick) is a narrow plastic strip which has several square-shaped pads of different colors attached to it. Each small pad represents a component of the test used to interpret urinalysis. When dipped in the urine, pad colors change in response to the chemical characteristics of the urine. The color changes are noted at specific time intervals and compared against the reference color chart/key.