When we hear about epithelial cells in urine, it can raise questions about urinary tract health and whether this is a sign of something more serious. Other sorts of cells are broadly identified as epithelial cells that are seen in other parts of the body and described in the lining of organs, glands, and skin. Reasons these cells can shed into urine include being within the urinary tract or small amounts are normal, but higher are usually indicative of something wrong.
In this blog we will explain what epithelial cells in urine are, the different types of epithelial cells, the meaning of your test results, and causes for results to be high.
What are Epithelial Cells?
Other cells in the body form another kind of protecting layer, called epithelial cells that line the organs, glands and surfaces, such as skin. Additionally, they line the inside of the urinary tract, from kidneys to the bladder. Yet, these cells can go off these cells and show up in urine naturally or when there are too many of these cells indicates the infection, kidney problems or other similar health problems with a urinary tract area.
The most common cause of epithelial cells in urine is an ordinary urinalysis, normally performed in preparation for a physical or where a doctor suspects a urinary problem.
Types of Epithelial Cells Found in Urine
Understanding the types of epithelial cells that might show up in a urinalysis is essential for interpreting your test results and understanding what they may mean for your urinary tract health.
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Squamous Epithelial Cells
-What They Are: Squamous epithelial cells are large, flat cells derived from the outer layer of the urethra, and genital area.
– What They Indicate: Usually, seen in the urine are most epithelial cells, which are not a cause for alarm except if it’s these cells. Contamination (dirty collecting a urine sample) can lead to high levels.
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Transitional Epithelial Cells
– What They Are: Inside the bladder and ureters (the tubes that lead from the kidneys to the bladder) are transitional epithelial cells.
– What They Indicate: Usually, transitional cells in your urine are harmless, but if you have a lot of them, it may indicate an infection or inflammation in your bladder, urinary tract or kidneys.
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Renal tubular epithelial cells
– What They Are: The origin of renal tubular epithelial cells are from the kidneys.
– What They Indicate: They are in our urine most of the time and that’s worse as it can be a sign of problem with our kidneys. Fortunately, though, in most cases other tests are performed to determine the health of kidneys following a renal epithelial cell show up on a urinalysis.
What Does a Urine Test Epithelial Cells Mean?
Epithelial cells are present in the urine that you undergo a urinalysis, and the laboratory report will indicate so. So what does this mean for your health?
- Normal Levels: While small numbers of squamous or transitional epithelial cells are often of little concern, it does often mean that the shedding is natural.
- Moderate Levels: In cases of moderate numbers, this may mean mild irritation, minor infection or incorrect collection of urine samples.
- High Levels: It is often an indication of underlying conditions which need further evaluation, and especially when the levels are high, especially of renal tubular cells.
Keep in mind that Diagnosis is not determined by epithelial cell count. Instead, your healthcare provider will look at other test results and symptoms.
Causes of Epithelial Cells in Urine
There are several potential causes of epithelial cells in urine, ranging from common issues to more serious conditions affecting urinary tract health. Let’s break them down:
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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
UTIs is one of the most common reasons for seeing elevated epithelial cells in urine. The inflammation which causes them to raise epithelial cells from the lining of the urinary tract could be said to be caused by infection. Symptoms are frequent urination, pain urinating, cloudy and/or foul smelling urine.
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Kidney Conditions
Renal tubular epithelial cells can be seen in the urine in the presence of renal tubular epithelial cells inflammation or renal tubular epithelial cells.. In addition, high epithelial cell counts may be due to diseases such as glomerulonephritis (inflammation of one or more of the glomeruli) or renal stones. If these are in cases like these, however, then they more frequently suggest further tests including something like blood work or imaging.
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Sample Collection Contamination:
Sample Collection Contamination is not feasible to test a very large sample size in a relatively short period of time. This is primarily due to the possibility of contamination during sample collection. As testing proceeds, accurate results become more challenging to obtain, especially if this could compromise the accuracy of the test kit. While self testing is widely promoted as convenient and safe, this convenience is best suited to individuals who already know their status or are not at high
If a urine sample is not properly collected, but cells of the external genitalia are present, contamination may occur into the urine. For example, this is common with cells of this type, of the squamous or epithelial kind, which are essentially made principally on the skins or urethras.
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Bladder Conditions
Sometimes, however, transitional epithelial cells can sometimes increase during, for example, cystitis (bladder inflammation or bladder infection). Symptomizing these circumstances are pelvic pain, urgency with the feeling or discomfort to urinate.
What Is Urine Tested To Diagnose Epithelial Cells?
If Epithelial cells are present in urine and a urinalysis looks to the microscope for the presence of occult epithelial cells in urine. Here’s what to expect from the process:
- Sample Collection: A clean catch of a urine sample helps prevent contamination.
- Microscopic Examination: The sample is placed under a microscope by a lab technician who looks for epithelial cells to count.
- Other Tests: More tests such as blood tests, urine culture and imaging will be recommended when high levels of epithelial cells are seen.
What Happens if Your Test Shows High Levels of Epithelial Cells?
If your urinalysis results show a high level of epithelial cells, don’t panic. Instead, follow up with your healthcare provider, who will evaluate the findings in the context of your symptoms and overall health. They also might suggest further tests to find what’s causing it and give proper treatment.
Maintaining Urinary Tract Health – Tips
To prevent ones that increase the number of epithelial cells in urine, usually a matter of taking care of your urinary tract health. Here are some helpful tips:
- Stay Hydrated: Water helps flush out toxins and bacteria, which may lower the chance of getting a UTI.
- Practice Good Hygiene: One way to prevent infections and lower a person’s chance of contamination in urine samples is to keep the area around the genital area clean.
- Avoid Holding Urine: However, if you do not empty your bladder regularly, infections can develop.
- Follow Medical Advice: Even if you aren’t sure if you have any, if you have urinary symptoms such as pain or frequent urination, talk with a healthcare provider to get advice.
When to See a Doctor
See a healthcare provider if you get symptoms such as pain or burning with urination, lower back pain, fever or changes in urine colour or smell. They might suggest an infection of some other urinary tract problem. Regular check ups can help detect any trouble in their urinary tract early on and maintain your urinary tract health.
Conclusion
Knowing us can provide peace of mind or make you think you should go and see a doctor when need be. Having this knowledge shows you how to be proactive about your health as you learn about the types of epithelial cells as well as what high levels can mean.
For expert guidance on urinary tract health and interpretation of urinalysis results, consulting a qualified healthcare provider like Dr. Saket Narnoli can provide the answers you need.
