· Squamous epithelial cells are flat, scale-like cells that line the skin and some organs. They may appear in urine due to infection, irritation, injury, or disease of the urinary tract. Learn about the normal range, possible causes, and treatment options for excess squamous epithelial cells in urine. Epithelial cells are a type of cell that covers the inside and outside of the surfaces of your body. They are found on your skin, blood vessels, and organs, including your urinary tract.An epithelial cells in urine test looks at a sample of your urine (pee) under a microscope to count the number of epithelial cells in your urine. It's normal to have a small number of certain types of epithelial cells in urine. A large number may indicate a urinary tract infection, kidney disease, or other serious medical condition.See full list on medlineplus.govAn epithelial cells in urine test is a part of a urinalysis, a test that measures different substances in your urine. It may be part of a regular check-up, or your health care provider may order the test if you have signs of a urinary tract problem.A urinalysis may include a visual check of your urine sample, tests for certain chemicals and examination under a microscope to look for certain types of cells. An epithelial cells in urine test is part of a microscopic exam of urine.See full list on medlineplus.govYour provider may have ordered an epithelial cells in urine test as part of your regular checkup or if the results of your visual or chemical urine tests weren't normal. You may also need this test if you have symptoms of a urinary or kidney disorder. These symptoms may include:•Frequent and/or painful urination•Abdominal pain•Back painSee full list on medlineplus.govYou will need to give a urine sample of your urine for the test. A health care professional may give you a cleansing wipe, a small container, and instructions for how to use the "clean catch" method to collect your urine sample. It's important to follow these instructions so that germs from your skin don't get into the sample:1.Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them.2.Open the container without touching the inside.3.Clean your genital area with the cleansing wipe:•For a penis, wipe the entire head (end) of the penis. If you have a foreskin, pull it back first.•For a vagina, separate the labia (the folds of skin around the vagina) and wipe the inner sides from front to back.See full list on medlineplus.govYou don't need any special preparations for the test. 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. Your provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow.See full list on medlineplus.govThere is no known risk to having the testSee full list on medlineplus.govResults are often reported as a general amount, such as "few," moderate," or "many" cells. A normal result is typically "few" cells. "Moderate" or "many" cells may be a sign of a medical condition, such as:•Urinary tract infection•Yeast infection•Kidney disease•Liver disease•Certain types of cancerSee full list on medlineplus.govThere are three types of epithelial cells that line the urinary tract. They are called transitional cells, renal (kidney) tubular cells, and squamous cells.If there are squamous epithelial cells in your urine, it may mean your sample was contaminated. This means that the sample contains 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.See full list on medlineplus.gov1.Ask a Biologist [Internet]. Tempe (AZ): Arizona State University: School of Life Sciences; c2016. Viral Attack: Epithelial Cell [cited 2017 Feb 12]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/epithelial-cells2.Hinkle J, Cheever K. Brunner & Suddarth's Handbook of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. 2nd Ed, Kindle. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; c2014. Urinalysis; 509 p.3.Johns Hopkins Lupus Center [Internet]. Johns Hopkins Medicine; c2022. Urinalysis [cited 2022 Mar 3]; [about 10 screens]. Available from: https://www.hopkinslupus.org/lupus-tests/screening-laboratory-tests/urinalysis/4.Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998–2022. Urinalysis; [cited 2022 Mar 3]; [about 7 screens]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/urinalysis/about/pac-203849075.Merck Manual Consumer Version [Internet]. Kenilworth (NJ): Merck & Co., Inc.; c2022. Urinalysis and Urine Culture [modified 2020 May; cited 2022 Mar 3]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/kidney-and-urinary-tract-disorders/diagnosis-of-kidney-and-urinary-tract-disorders/urinalysis-and-urine-culture6.National Cancer Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms; epithelial [cited 2022 Mar 3]; [about 1 screens]. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/epithelialSee full list on medlineplus.govSee full list on medlineplus.govView allAug 7, 2025 · Discover squamous epithelialcells: their structure, locations throughout the body, and vital functions for health. · Epithelial and squamous cells are normal cells that line your urinary tract. Learn about the conditions that can cause them to shed into your urine, such as infections, cancers, injuries, or kidney stones. Verifying that you are not a robot... · Squamous epithelial cells are a type of flat cell found throughout the body, including in the mouth, on the lips, and on the cervix. Abnormal cells may indicate an infection and, in some cases, may be a sign of certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). · Learn about the different types of epithelial cells that line your urinary tract, how a urine test can detect them, and what high levels of epithelial cells in urine can mean. Find out the possible causes, symptoms, and treatments of urinary problems related to epithelial cells. · Discover squamous epithelialcells: their structure, locations throughout the body, and vital functions for health. · Epithelial and squamous cells are normal cells that line your urinary tract. Learn about the conditions that can cause them to shed into your urine, such as infections, cancers, injuries, or kidney stones. · Squamous epithelial cells are a type of flat cell found throughout the body, including in the mouth, on the lips, and on the cervix. Abnormal cells may indicate an infection and, in some cases, may be a sign of certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). · Learn about the different types of epithelial cells that line your urinary tract, how a urine test can detect them, and what high levels of epithelial cells in urine can mean. Find out the possible causes, symptoms, and treatments of urinary problems related to epithelial cells. Verifying that you are not a robot...
