Urinalysis - The Carter Center

EPITHELIAL CELLS
• Normally few epithelial cells (0-2 / HPF) can be found
• Appearance
• Their size differs depending on the site from which they
originated.
a. Those coming from renal cells
- Size is small as compared to other epithelial cells
- It measures 10μ to 18 μm in length, i.e., slightly larger than
leukocytes
- Very granular
- Have refractive and clearly visible nucleus
- Usually seen in association with proteins or casts ( in renal
disease).
b. Cells from pelvis and urethra of the kidney
- Size is larger than renal epithelia’s
- Those from pelvis area are granular with sort of tail, while those
from urethra are oval in shape
- Most of the time urethral epithelia is seen with together of
leukocytes and filaments (mucus trades and large in number)
- Pelvic epithelia’s seen usually with no leukocyte and mucus
trade, and are few in number
c. Bladder cells
- Are squamious epithelial cells?
- Very large in size.
- Shape seems rectangular and often with irregular border.
- Have single nucleus.
* Here it is important to keep in mind that it is not expected from an
experienced Lab. technician after simply observing epithelial
cells, to say that these are urethral cells, and of pelvic origin and
reporting such a false result in the laboratory request form.
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