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Dr. Fogazzi (center-left) with training participants at the Almenara Hospital in Lima, Peru 

In January, ISN Educational Ambassador (EA) Giovanni Battista Fogazzi (Italy*) visited the Almenara Hospital in Lima, Peru, to present on urinary sediment analysis to help address a critical gap in nephrology training at the center and enhance local kidney care services. 

Course particiapants at the Almenara Hospital in Lima, Peru

According to Alberto Gushiken, the training organizer at the host center, the urinary sediment test is inexpensive and easy to perform but had not been carried out by nephrologists at the hospital for many decades. He commented, “We had, essentially, only theoretical knowledge, so identifying particles and structures under the microscope was initially a challenge.” One of the main goals of the EA visit was, therefore, to integrate urinary sediment examinations systematically into renal pathology practice at the center. 

Dr. Fogazzi demonstrates aspects of urine sediment analysis 

Expert-led training 

Dr. Fogazzi, an international expert who has written extensively on urinary sediment analysis, delivered an intensive course that covered all the aspects of urinary sediment examination:  

• The standardized method for urine sample collection, preparation, and analysis 

• The formed elements of the urinary sediment and their clinical significane 

• Urinary sediment profiles in:

– glomerular diseases, acute interstitial nephritis, and acute kidney injury  

– BK virus reactivation in kidney transplant recipients, urinary tract infections, and urological disorders 

Teaching participants to identify key markers of kidney conditions from urine samples 

The program combined theoretical knowledge with hands-on training to ensure its integration into daily practice and improve patient outcomes. Dr. Gushiken observed, “The theoretical sessions were interactive, and there was time to clarify doubts or questions from the attendees. As for the practical sessions, since they were developed with a small group of participants, the instruction was personalized.” 

The practical aspect of the training was tailored to the student’s needs 

Positive outcomes 

According to Dr. Gushiken, a significant outcome of the training was that it helped reinstate urinary sediment analysis as a core nephrology responsibility at the hospital. The trained participants have since established a structured urinary sediment unit. He noted, “The trained team is highly motivated and has already begun processing and analyzing patient samples. They remain in close contact with Dr. Fogazzi, whose expertise and guidance continue to be invaluable.” 

In addition, some nephrologists from other hospitals in Lima participated in the training, reinforcing its impact within the region. 

Apply to the ISN Educational Ambassador Program 

By strengthening local expertise, the ISN Educational Ambassador Program continues to drive meaningful improvements in global kidney care. Could your institution benefit from training with an international expert? Find out more and apply!  

*Dr. Fogazzi works at the Institution Clinical and Research Laboratory on Urinary Sediment, SC di Nefrologia, Dialisi e Trapianto di Rene, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy.