Urine Epithelial Cells (Epithelial)

Epithelial cells in urine help detect irritation, infection, or contamination of the sample.

📋 About This Biomarker

Epithelial cells can increase due to urinary tract infections (UTIs), inflammation, poor sample collection, or contamination from external skin, genital area, or vaginal discharge. Dehydration, recent sexual activity, or not using a clean catch method can also lead to higher counts. In some cases, kidney conditions (like nephrotic syndrome) may also increase epithelial shedding.

🎯 Why We Test This

This marker helps assess the cleanliness and reliability of the urine sample, while also offering insight into the health of your urinary tract. When combined with other urine markers, it helps confirm whether a result truly reflects an infection or if it may be due to an unclean sample. It’s also useful for spotting inflammation or irritation in the bladder or urethra.

⚠️ What Affects It

Epithelial cells can increase due to urinary tract infections (UTIs), inflammation, poor sample collection, or contamination from external skin, genital area, or vaginal discharge. Dehydration, recent sexual activity, or not using a clean catch method can also lead to higher counts. In some cases, kidney conditions (like nephrotic syndrome) may also increase epithelial shedding.

📈 How to Improve

If epithelial cell levels are high or borderline, the first step is usually to repeat the test with a properly collected midstream sample. Practising good hygiene, especially when collecting the sample, is important. If levels are high due to infection or irritation, treating the underlying cause - such as with antibiotics or hydration - can help. If the levels are low or normal, that’s great - no action needed! Just keep up healthy habits and good hydration.

📊 Understanding Your Results (10^6/L)

Low
Very low or no epithelial cells is a healthy result, showing that there is no inflammation, irritation, or contamination in the urine. This is ideal and not a cause for concern.
Optimal
A small number of epithelial cells in urine is completely normal - it means the urinary tract is healthy and there’s no sign of infection or contamination. The sample was likely collected correctly, and no further action is needed. Slightly elevated epithelial cells may indicate a mildly contaminated sample or early signs of irritation. It’s worth reviewing how the sample was collected and repeating the test if needed. It can also reflect minor inflammation or normal cell shedding. Epithelial cells near the lower end of the range are perfectly normal. In fact, the fewer the better - this usually means the sample is clean and your urinary tract is calm and healthy.
High (> 10 10^6/L)
A high number of epithelial cells may mean the urine sample was contaminated, especially if it wasn’t collected midstream. It can also point to inflammation or infection in the urinary tract or bladder. If high levels are seen with other abnormal markers (like white cells or bacteria), it strengthens the case for a UTI or irritation. Sometimes a repeat sample is needed to confirm the result.
Also known as: Epithelial