Epithelial Cells in Urine

What is an epithelial cells in urine test?

Epithelial cells cover the inside and outside of the surfaces of your body. They are found on your skin, blood vessels, and organs, including your urinary tract (which includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra).

An epithelial cells in urine test looks at a sample of your urine (pee) under a microscope to count the number of epithelial cells. It's normal to have a small number of certain types of epithelial cells in urine. But a large number may be a sign of a urinary tract infection, kidney disease, or other serious medical condition.

Other names: microscopic urine analysis, microscopic examination of urine, urine test, urine analysis, UA

What is it used for?

An epithelial cells in urine test is a part of a urinalysis, a test that measures different substances in your urine. It may be part of a routine checkup, or your health care provider may order the test if you have signs of a urinary tract problem.

A urinalysis may include a visual check of your urine sample, tests for certain chemicals, and an examination under a microscope to look for certain types of cells. An epithelial cells in urine test is part of a microscopic exam of your urine.

Why do I need an epithelial cells in urine test?

Your provider may have ordered an epithelial cells in urine test as part of your routine checkup or if your visual or chemical urine test results weren't normal. You may also need this test if you have symptoms of a urinary or kidney disorder. These symptoms may include:

• Frequent and/or painful urination
• Abdominal (belly) pain
• Back pain
• Blood in your urine

What happens during an epithelial cells in urine test?

You will need to give a urine sample for the test. A health care professional may give you a cleansing wipe, a small container, and instructions for how to use the "clean catch" method to collect your urine sample. It's important to follow these instructions so that germs from your skin don't get into the sample:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them.
2. Open the container without touching the inside.
3. Clean your genital area with the cleansing wipe:
   • For a penis, wipe the entire head (end) of the penis. If you have a foreskin, pull it back first.
   • For a vagina, separate the labia (the folds of skin around the vagina) and wipe the inner sides from front to back.
4. Urinate into the toilet for a few seconds and then stop the flow. Start urinating again, this time into the container. Don't let the container touch your body.
5. Collect at least an ounce or two of urine into the container. The container should have markings to show how much urine is needed.
6. Finish urinating into the toilet.
7. Put the cap on the container and return it as instructed.

If you have hemorrhoids that bleed or are having your menstrual period, tell your provider before your test.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

If your provider has ordered other urine or blood tests, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test.

You may need to stop taking certain medicines before this test, so tell your provider about everything you take. But don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to. They will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow.

Are there any risks to the test?

There is no known risk to having the test.

What do the results mean?

Results are often reported as a general amount, such as "few," moderate," or "many" cells. A normal result is typically "few" cells.

"Moderate" or "many" cells may be a sign of a medical condition, such as:

• Urinary tract infection
• Yeast infection
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Certain types of cancer

If your results are not normal, it doesn't always mean that you have a medical condition that needs treatment. You may need more tests before your provider can make a diagnosis. To learn what your results mean, talk with your provider.

Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.

Is there anything else I need to know about an epithelial cells in urine test?

Three types of epithelial cells line the urinary tract. They are called transitional cells, renal (kidney) tubular cells, and squamous cells.

If squamous epithelial cells are in your urine, it may mean your sample was contaminated. This means that the sample contains cells from another part of the body. This can happen if you do not clean your genital area well enough when collecting your urine sample with the clean catch method.