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Everything You Need to Know About Epithelial Cells in Urine

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Everything You Need to Know About Epithelial Cells in Urine
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Epithelial Cells in Urine

Have you heard about Epithelial cells? Well, they are the most essential part of the body's protective system to protect against infections and inflammation. These cells are present in the urine in a normal percentage. However, if there's a sudden increased amount of Epithelial Cells in Urine beyond the normal range then it can lead to health issues. That's why it's important to know about Epithelial cells. In this article, we've covered Epithelial cells, their types, risk factors, and how these levels are tested. 


So, without any further delay, let's dive in.

An epithelial cell in urine is primarily used as a diagnostic tool to help identify various conditions or diseases affecting the urinary tract.

By examining the number and type of epithelial cells present in urine samples,  doctors can gain important insights into the possible underlying causes of urinary tract infections, inflammation, or other conditions.

For example, if many white blood cells and epithelial cells are found in the urine, it could indicate a urinary tract infection. If the 4-6 epithelial cells in urine are found to be of a particular type, such as renal tubular epithelial cells, it could indicate a problem with the kidneys.

An epithelial cell in urine can also be used to monitor the progression of certain conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.

Epithelial cells come in different shapes and sizes. These are the three main types that can appear in urine:

  • Renal tubular cells: These are the most important types of cells which come from the kidneys. If there are too many cells, then there's a kidney problem.

  • Squamous cells: These are large cells that come from the vagina or urethra.

  • Transitional cells: The transitional epithelial cells in urine come from areas like the bladder or the male urethra and are more common in older adults.

Your healthcare provider may order epithelial cells in a urine test for several reasons, including:

1. To Diagnose a Urinary Tract Infection: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common conditions caused by bacteria that can infect different parts of the urinary system. Epithelial cells in urine tests can help diagnose a UTI by identifying the presence of white blood cells and bacteria in the urine.

2. To Diagnose Kidney Problems: An epithelial cell in urine can indicate kidney problems such as kidney disease or kidney damage. Squamous epithelial cells in urine tests can help identify renal tubular epithelial cells in the urine, which can be a sign of kidney damage or dysfunction.

3. To Monitor Treatment for Kidney Disease: If you have been diagnosed with kidney disease, your healthcare provider may order periodic epithelial cells in urine tests to monitor your condition and evaluate the effectiveness of your treatment.

4. To Evaluate the Presence of Other Urinary Tract Conditions: An epithelial cell in urine tests can help identify other urinary tract conditions such as inflammation or irritation of the bladder or urethra.

An epithelial cell in urine test is a simple and non-invasive procedure that involves collecting a urine sample and analyzing it in a laboratory. Here is what you can expect during the test:

1. Urine Sample Collection: Your healthcare provider will provide you with a sterile container to collect a urine sample. You will need to wash your hands and then clean your genital area with an antiseptic wipe to prevent contamination of the sample.

2. Urine Sample Submission: Once you have collected the urine sample, you will need to label the container with your name and other identifying information and then submit it to the laboratory for analysis.

3. Laboratory Analysis: The laboratory will analyze your urine sample for the presence of epithelial cells, white blood cells, bacteria, and other substances that can provide insight into the health of your urinary tract and kidneys.

4. Results Interpretation: Your healthcare provider will review the results of the epithelial cells in the urine test and use them to help diagnose or monitor your condition.

There are no specific preparations required for epithelial cells (non-renal) in urine tests. However, here are some general tips that may help you get more accurate results:


1. Drink Plenty of Water: Drinking water before the test can help ensure that you can provide a large enough urine sample for analysis.


2. Avoid Certain Medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics or diuretics, can affect the results of the test. If possible, try to avoid taking these medications for at least 24 hours before the test, unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider.


3. Follow Instructions for Urine Sample Collection: Be sure to carefully follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider for collecting the urine sample. This may involve washing your genital area before collecting the sample, using a clean container, and avoiding contamination of the sample.

4. Inform Your Healthcare Provider About any Recent Symptoms or Medical History: If you have any recent symptoms or medical history that may affect the test results, be sure to inform your healthcare provider before the test.

There can be several reasons for epithelial cells in urine normal range beyond:

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Bacteria in the urinary can be a reason for inflammation which leads to more epithelial cells in the urine.

  • Kidney or Bladder Infections: Infection in these areas can also increase the epithelial cells in the urine.

  • Kidney Stones or Diseases: Such conditions can damage the urinary tract and lead to high epithelial cells in urine.

  • Contaminated Sample: Sometimes, a urine sample gets mixed with cells from the skin cells in urine or genitals which leads to false results.

An epithelial cell in urine test is a safe and non-invasive procedure, and there are no significant risks or complications associated with the test. However, as with any medical test, there is a small chance of experiencing minor discomfort or side effects, such as:


1. Urine Sample Collection Discomfort: Some people may experience mild discomfort or embarrassment when collecting a urine sample, especially if they are not used to doing so.


2. False-Positive or False-Negative Results: In some cases, the test results may not accurately reflect the true state of your urinary tract or kidney health, leading to a false-positive or false-negative result. This can be caused by various factors such as contamination of the sample or errors in the laboratory analysis.


3. In Rare Cases: The test may lead to a misdiagnosis or unnecessary treatment.

The results of epithelial cells in urine during pregnancy tests can provide valuable information about the health of your urinary tract and kidneys. The interpretation of the results will depend on various factors, including your medical history, symptoms, and the specific test performed. Here are some general guidelines on how to interpret the results of epithelial cells in a urine test:

1. Normal Results: If your test results are within the normal range of epithelial cells in urine, it generally means that there are no significant abnormalities in your urinary tract or kidneys.

2. Abnormal Results: If your test results show the presence of epithelial cells in urine, it may indicate an underlying medical condition such as a urinary tract infection or kidney disease. The specific type and amount of epithelial cells present in the urine can provide additional clues about the underlying condition.

3. Further Testing: Depending on the results of the epithelial cells in the urine test, your healthcare provider may recommend additional testing or further evaluation to diagnose or monitor your condition. This may include imaging tests, blood tests, or further urine tests.

There are no obvious symptoms of 4-6 epithelial cells in urine, but if the cause is an infection or other health issues, then you may notice:


  • Frequent urination

  • Pain or burning while urinating

  • Cloudy or bad-smelling urine

  • Discomfort in the pelvic area


If you see such symptoms beyond the epithelial cells normal range in urine, then you should go to a healthcare professional for better consultation.

These are some common treatment options for epithelial cells (non renal) in the urine, depending on what's causing them:

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): These are usually treated with antibiotics.

  • Kidney Disease: Its treatment includes changes in diet, medicines, and sometimes dialysis.

  • Kidney Damage: Its treatment will depend on what caused the damage.

  • Urinary Tract Cancer: Its treatment may include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

Here are some additional things you may want to know about high epithelial cells in urine tests:

1. Non-Invasive Test: An epithelial cell in urine test is a non-invasive and painless test that involves collecting a urine sample.

2. Routine Test: An epithelial cell in urine test is a routine test that is often included as part of a general health screening or as a diagnostic tool for urinary tract or kidney conditions.

3. Detecting Various Conditions: The test can detect various conditions that affect the urinary tract and kidneys, such as urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and bladder cancer.

4. Results May Vary: The results of epithelial cells in urine tests may vary depending on several factors, such as the individual's age, gender, and medical history.

5. Follow-Up Tests May be Needed: Depending on the results of the test, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests to confirm a diagnosis or monitor your condition.

6. Results May be Affected by Certain Factors: Certain factors, such as recent sexual activity, menstruation, and certain medications, can affect the results of the test. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of any relevant factors before the test.

An Epithelial cell in urine test is a routine and non-invasive test that involves collecting a urine sample and analyzing it for the presence of epithelial cells. The presence of epithelial cells can provide valuable information about the health of your urinary tract and kidneys and can indicate various conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and bladder cancer.

The interpretation of the results of epithelial cells in urine tests can be complex and requires the expertise of a healthcare professional. Depending on the results of the test, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing or follow-up to diagnose or monitor your condition.

Q. What do epithelial cells in urine mean

Epithelial cells in urine mean the presence of epithelial cells in small amounts. However, large amounts of epithelial cells in urine can indicate a potential health issue, like kidney disease or inflammation within the urinary system.

Q. What are squamous epithelial cells in urine?

Squamous cells are flat, scale-like cells that line the body's outermost layer of skin and other body surfaces. If squamous epithelial cells are found on a urine test, it indicates liver disease or cancer of the urinary tract.

Q. What is the normal range of epithelial cells in urine?

The safe number of epithelial cells in urine is 15 - 20 cells per high-power field (HPF).

Q. What diseases affect epithelial cells?

Some common diseases that affect epithelial cells are Celiac disease, Asthma, Human papillomavirus (HPV), and Vertigo.

Epithelial Cells in Urine

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