What does it measure?
These cells line parts of the urinary tract and nearby skin. Some are shed into urine naturally. Microscopy may distinguish broad squamous cells from transitional cells or kidney tubular cells, which have different implications.
Before the test
- Sample
- Collect urine in the laboratory’s container, following its clean-catch instructions.
- Collection
- Avoid touching the inside of the container; follow the cleaning steps carefully.
What can the result mean?
A few cells can be expected. Many squamous cells often suggest that the sample picked up cells during collection. Kidney tubular cells may deserve closer assessment, especially with other kidney findings. A total epithelial-cell count without a cell type is less specific. [1]
When is it useful, and how is it read?
Use squamous-cell findings to judge collection quality alongside white cells and bacteria. If the lab identifies kidney tubular cells, read them with kidney function, casts, medicines, and recent illness instead. [1]
What can affect it?
Collection during menstruation or contact with skin and genital secretions can add cells. Sample freshness and the lab’s ability to identify the type matter. The result should not be read as proof of infection or cancer. [1]
The cell type changes the meaning
Skin-like squamous cells often enter during collection. Kidney tubular cells come from a different location, so a report that identifies the type is more helpful than a total count alone. [1]
Questions you might have
Do many epithelial cells always mean kidney damage?
No. Squamous cells can enter the sample from nearby skin or genital tissue during collection. [1]
Why might the laboratory request another sample?
If contamination is suspected, a new clean-catch sample may make the other urine findings easier to trust. [1]
What comes next?
If the sample appears contaminated, your clinician may ask for a repeat clean-catch collection. If the report names kidney tubular cells, review it alongside urine protein, casts, and kidney blood tests. [1]
Which type of epithelial cell was found, and does it suggest collection contamination or a kidney finding?
The reference interval and units on your report are part of understanding your result. Understand units, reference intervals, and treatment targets.
Sources & references
Medical references & original research
Books we consulted
References that informed our explanations of the test and its context.
- Pagana KD, Pagana TJ, Pagana TN. Mosby’s Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference. 14th ed. Elsevier; 2019.
Practical-section sources accessed: .
For general health education. Interpreting your result and deciding on tests or treatment requires your health context and a qualified clinician.
