Epithelial cells in urine can provide diagnostic information, but it depends on the type and numbers present. Squamous cells are common and may indicate contamination, transitional cells can indicate inflammation or infection, and renal tubular cells in large numbers indicate a kidney problem. Further testing may be necessary.
Epithelial cells in urine can provide some diagnostic information, depending on the type of cells involved and the numbers present in the urine sample. Usually, the information is most helpful when combined with other urinalysis results, along with reporting the patient’s symptoms. A typical urinalysis report will note whether skin cells were found in the sample and provide information about the type and numbers.
Epithelial cells are cells of the epithelium, the lining that covers the inside and outside of the body. They shed regularly as new cells develop and old, dead cells slough off. Different areas of the body have distinct skin cells. Pathologists can see squamous, renal, and transitional epithelial cells in the urine when they spin the urine to separate the sediment.
Squamous epithelial cells are found along the genitals and on the outside of the body. Some usually show up in a urine sample because they get carried away by the urine stream. Large numbers may be indicative of contamination. The patient may not have dried thoroughly before collecting a sample, allowing material from outside the body to enter the cup along with the urine sample.
Transitional epithelial cells in urine are also common. These cells line the urethra and bladder. In a person with active inflammation, more cells may be shed due to irritation. Similarly, lesions can cause an increase in transitional epithelial cells. Coupled with findings such as blood in the urine and bacteria, they can be a sign of an infection.
Renal tubular epithelial cells are not a good sign. While some may escape, if they are present in large numbers, it is indicative of a kidney problem. Other urinalysis results can provide more information about what is happening in the kidneys, and a doctor may also order a blood test to get an idea of how well the kidneys are working.
If the test shows epithelial cells in the urine, it is important to find out which cell types are involved and in what concentrations. Fewer epithelial cells in the urine are generally not a cause for concern. If your squamous cell count is high, you may need to take a new urine sample to get a cleaner collection of urine for testing. The increased number of renal tubular cells requires further testing to find out more about what is happening inside the patient.
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