Abstract: TH-PO0001
Capacity Building in Nephrology: Lessons from a Urine Microscopy Course in Peru
Session Information
- Educational Research Within and Across Disciplines
November 06, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Educational Research
- 1000 Educational Research
Authors
- Castillo Velarde, Edwin Rolando, Universidad Ricardo Palma Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias Biomedicas, Santiago de Surco, Lima Region, Peru
- Gushiken, Alberto, Hospital Nivel IV Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, La Victoria, Lima Region, Peru
- Chimoy, Hemily Zandybell, Hospital Nivel IV Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, La Victoria, Lima Region, Peru
- Nombera, Natalia R., Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia, Lima District, Lima Region, Peru
- Fogazzi, Giovanni Battista, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Dipartimento Area Medica, Milan, Lombardy, Italy
Background
Urine microscopy (UM) is a cost-effective and valuable diagnostic tool in nephrology, especially in low- and middle-income countries with limited access to advanced testing. However, it remains underused and insufficiently taught in Latin American training programs. This study presents the first structured UM course in Peru, developed to bridge this educational gap.
Methods
A three-day course was conducted from January 22–24, 2024, at a Hospital in Lima, organized by the hospital’s Department of Nephrology. The course combined theoretical lectures and hands-on sessions, led by a renowned expert in urinary sediment analysis. Topics covered included urine collection, sample preparation, microscopic examination (Motic BA310E advanced biological microscope with objectives 4x, 10x, and phase contrast 20x, 40x, and polarized light), and interpretation of urinary elements and sediment profiles in diverse renal pathologies.
Results
Twenty-two participants completed the program: 16 nephrologists, 5 nephrology residents, and 1 medical student, all based in Lima, Peru, and with no prior UM experience. The curriculum consisted of theoretical modules, two microscopy lab sessions, and 20 case-based exercises, totaling 15 hours of instruction. On the first day, participants learned about urine collection, sample preparation, microscopy techniques, and reporting, followed by a detailed review of urinary elements such as cells, fat particles, casts, crystals, and microorganisms. The second and third days focused on sediment profiles in glomerular diseases, AKI, interstitial nephritis, infections, and transplant-related conditions. During practical sessions, participants applied their newly acquired skills to inpatient urine samples. Emphasis was placed on the limitations of flow cytometry which cannot reliably identify certain clinically relevant findings. This highlighted the added value of nephrologist-performed urine microscopy in detecting features such as dysmorphic red blood cells (e.g., acanthocytes) indicative of glomerular hematuria, and renal tubular epithelial cells associated with acute tubular injury.
Conclusion
This course shows that UM training is feasible with minimal resources and highlights the value of integrating it into nephrology education to strengthen kidney care in underserved regions.
Funding
- Other NIH Support