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Epithelial Cells in Urine
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Lab Tests

Epithelial Cells in Urine

An epithelial cells in urine test examines a urine sample under a microscope to count cell levels, which can help identify urinary tract infections or kidney disease.

What is an epithelial cells in urine test?

Epithelial cells are found on the surfaces of your body, including the skin, blood vessels, and organs like the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra). While it is normal to have a small number of these cells in your urine, a high count may indicate a medical condition such as a urinary tract infection or kidney disease.

What is it used for?

This test is part of a urinalysis, which may be performed during a routine checkup or when a patient presents with symptoms of a urinary tract problem. The test involves a microscopic examination of the urine sample.

Why do I need this test?

Your provider may order this test if you have abnormal results from a visual or chemical urine test, or if you experience symptoms including:

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

What happens during the test?

You will need to provide a urine sample. To ensure the sample is not contaminated by germs from your skin, you must follow the "clean catch" method provided by your health care professional, which includes using a cleansing wipe and a sterile container.

Frequently Asked Questions

normal urinalysis typically shows 0 to 5 squamous epithelial cells per high-power field (HPF). Squamous cells are large and flat, usually shed from the outer urethra or skin. If the count is higher, it may indicate contamination of the sample or inflammation in the urinary tract. It is important to note that different types of epithelial cells (squamous, transitional, or renal tubular) have different clinical significance, so the specific type and count must be interpreted by a healthcare provider.
No, a high count of epithelial cells does not automatically mean you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). While UTIs can cause increased cell shedding due to inflammation, a high number of squamous cells often indicates that the urine sample was contaminated with skin cells during collection, especially if the clean catch method was not strictly followed. Conversely, the presence of renal tubular epithelial cells is more specific to kidney damage or disease and requires further investigation, whereas squamous cells are less specific to internal urinary tract pathology.
To minimize contamination, you must perform a clean catch midstream urine collection. This involves washing your hands, cleaning the genital area with provided wipes from front to back, and urinating a small amount first to flush out any bacteria or cells from the opening. You then collect the middle portion of the urine stream in the sterile cup and discard the rest. Avoid touching the inside of the cup or the lid, and ensure the sample is delivered to the lab within the recommended time frame to prevent cell degradation or growth.
Besides infections and kidney disease, abnormal epithelial cell counts can be influenced by recent sexual activity, menstruation, or the use of vaginal creams or douches, which can introduce extra cells into the sample. In men, recent prostate procedures or catheterization can also increase cell counts. Additionally, certain medications or conditions that cause dehydration may concentrate the urine, making the cell count appear higher than it actually is. Always discuss your recent medical history and lifestyle factors with your provider when reviewing these results.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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