epithelial-cells-in-urine
Reviewed
Also called: microscopic urine analysis, microscopic examination of urine, urine test, urine analysis, UA
This test looks at a sample of your urine under a microscope to count the number of epithelial cells. It is 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.
Specimen: urine
Why this test may be ordered
- as part of a routine checkup
- if your visual or chemical urine test results were not normal
- if you have symptoms of a urinary or kidney disorder, such as frequent and/or painful urination, abdominal (belly) pain, back pain, or blood in your urine
Preparation and collection
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 do not stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to. They will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow.
You will need to give a urine sample using the 'clean catch' method. A health care professional may give you a cleansing wipe, a small container, and instructions. It is important to follow these instructions so that germs from your skin do not get into the sample. If you have hemorrhoids that bleed or are having your menstrual period, tell your provider before your test.
There is no known risk to having the test.
Understanding results
Results are often reported as a general amount, such as 'few,' 'moderate,' or 'many' cells.
- Few cells: A normal result is typically 'few' cells. Limitation: A normal result does not rule out all conditions. Next step: Talk with your provider to learn what your results mean.
- Moderate or many cells: May be a sign of a medical condition, such as urinary tract infection, yeast infection, kidney disease, liver disease, or certain types of cancer. However, it does not always mean that you have a medical condition that needs treatment. Limitation: You may need more tests before your provider can make a diagnosis. Next step: Talk with your provider to learn what your results mean.
- If squamous epithelial cells are in your urine, it may mean your sample was contaminated (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.
- A non-normal result does not always mean that you have a medical condition that needs treatment.
What to do next
To learn what your results mean, talk with your provider.
- What do my specific results mean for my health?
- Do I need any follow-up tests?
- What symptoms should I watch for?
Evidence source
U.S. National Library of Medicine: epithelial-cells-in-urine