Squamous epithelium in the urine

The epithelial layer is a single layer of cells that lines the mucous membranes of the genitourinary, respiratory and digestive tracts. All glands of the human body are mainly composed of epithelial cells. Epithelial cells are divided into several types, one of which is its flat type. When conducting a general analysis, doctors can detect flat epithelium in urine. Is this normal or pathological? What causes this fact? Let's try to figure it out in this article.

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The norm of squamous epithelium in urine

When conducting a general urine analysis, a medical professional examines several urine characteristics. These parameters may vary slightly, but for a healthy organism, these indicators should fall within certain physiological norms. If the parameters go beyond the recognized physiological intervals, then a pathological deviation of the parameter from the norm is stated, which indicates the presence of a disease. Regular comparative analysis of a specific indicator allows you to assess the rate of disease progression and take adequate measures in a timely manner.

The norm of squamous epithelium in the urine of a male patient is the absence of epithelial cells in the microscope eyepiece, that is, the area observed by the laboratory technician conducting the study, or there may be three to five units, but no more. In women, this form of epithelium in the urine should be absent or present in a single amount. If there are more such cells than normal, the doctor usually prescribes a repeat analysis, since the result may be unreliable due to improper preparation of the woman for collecting urine.

Urine is collected in a sterile container specially designed for such analysis. If there is no such container, the container for future analysis must be washed very thoroughly, disinfected with boiling water at the end. Immediately before collecting urine, a woman must thoroughly wash her external genitalia. Only after all these procedures can we talk about collecting urine for a correct, reliable analysis. It should be remembered that it is necessary to collect only the middle portion of urine, as it is the most informative. 100 ml will be enough for the study.

The most accurate analysis is obtained within one hour after urine collection.

Causes of squamous epithelium in urine

The presence of epithelial cells in the urine may indicate an inflammatory process in the patient's body. There may be several reasons for the appearance of squamous epithelium in the urine.

• Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection.
• Nephropathy (a kidney disease in which their functioning is impaired) of a dysmetabolic nature. A disease associated with structural and functional disorders of the kidneys, developing against the background of a metabolic disorder accompanied by crystalluria.
• Drug-induced nephropathy. Structural and functional changes in the kidneys that develop against the background of pharmacological therapy.
• Other urethritis of various etiologies.
• Prostatitis in men.

At the same time, doctors know that the presence of a small amount of squamous epithelium in a woman's urine may not indicate any disease, while the same indicator in men clearly indicates the presence of urethritis.

Decoding squamous epithelium in urine analysis

Epithelial cells cover almost all surfaces and cavities of the human body's systems and organs. Three types of cells are distinguished in human urine: flat, renal, and transitional. The direction of diagnostics offered by the attending physician depends on which of these structures are present in the sediment.

Human urine passes through the tract and organs related to the urinary system. And if, during laboratory testing, epithelial cells of one type (or several at once) are found in the urine, then this gives an experienced urologist the opportunity to somewhat specify the pathology and then further specifically prescribe additional studies.

Since the cellular structure of various organs differs from each other, this gives grounds to talk about one or another disease. This is precisely what the deciphering of squamous epithelium in urine analysis consists of.

When conducting a general urine analysis, the laboratory technician not only determines the number of epithelial cells, but also classifies them into three existing types. The number and type of epithelial cells present in the urine determines what preliminary diagnosis the attending physician will make for the patient.

If flat epithelium is detected in urine, its quantity "indicates" the presence or absence of pathological processes in the human body. If the laboratory technician counts no more than three units of flat epithelium in the urine in the field of view, then it is possible to state the absence of any urological pathologies. If more of the cells in question are observed, the doctor can make a preliminary diagnosis of urethritis. This is the most common pathology in men - inflammation of the urethra, which is caused by various pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria or viruses). In women, the presence of a large number of these cells may not be a sign of any disease. In this case, a repeat analysis is required, carried out in compliance with all necessary recommendations.

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Squamous epithelial cells in urine

The cells of the squamous epithelium are represented in the human body by the endothelium, mesothelium and epidermis. There is also a division into single-layer and multi-layer structures.

Single-layer flat epithelium includes mesothelium and endothelium. Endothelium covers the inner walls of blood vessels, as well as cardiac cavities. Endothelial cells contain a small number of organelles. They have high-level metabolic processes. If the endothelial layer is damaged, such changes lead to the formation of blood clots and, accordingly, to thrombosis or arterial occlusion. The formation of these cells occurs from the mesenchyme.

Mesothelium is also a single-layer flat epithelium originating from the mesoderm. The mesothelial layer covers the inner and outer layers of all serous membranes. Mesothelial cells have a polygonal outline, connecting with other cells by uneven edges. A mesothelial cell has one or two nuclei, and the membrane has short microscopic villi. These features of the mesothelial layer allow internal organs to slide freely over the surface of an adjacent organ without disrupting its normal functioning.

The body also contains stratified squamous epithelium, which is divided into:

• Ectoderm is a non-keratinizing cell of squamous epithelium that covers the lining of the cornea of the eye and the mucous membrane of the digestive tract in the anal and anterior sections.
• The epidermis is a keratinized flat epithelium that is the human skin.

Therefore, the question arises, what does it mean if squamous epithelial cells appear in the urine?

If a woman is diagnosed with squamous epithelial cells in her urine during a general analysis, this is normal in most cases and does not require further, more thorough diagnostics. The process of removing epithelial cells of this type is carried out due to the fact that this epithelium is located on the inner lining of the uterus and on the labia majora and minora. Therefore, the appearance of squamous epithelium in a woman's urine may indicate that she has not prepared well enough for this examination. In women, no more than three units must fall into the area of the microscope eyepiece, then it can be stated that she is healthy.

The question arises whether there can be squamous epithelium in the urine of women, and if yes, is this the norm? On this issue, doctors are unanimous: when conducting a general study of the urine of a healthy man, even single cells of squamous epithelium should not be detected. If they are present in the urine of a man, this indicates the presence of urethritis first of all.

The diagnosis depends on the number of cells in the field of view. The urologist will analyze the results of the general urine test and write out recommendations, and if necessary, will prescribe additional examination. Only after receiving a complete picture of pathological changes can we talk about a specific disease.

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When is squamous epithelium increased in urine?

If the urine is collected correctly, the test result will be highly reliable. If the squamous epithelium in the urine is increased, most likely there is an infection of the genitourinary system, which must be identified and treated.

When is there a lot of squamous epithelium in urine?

There may be a lot of squamous epithelium in the urine of women even if there are no urological pathologies. After all, this type of cells is the lining of the vagina, but some of them can get into the urethra from the bladder and urethra.

The situation is somewhat different with men: if they have a lot of squamous epithelium in their urine, it can only enter the urine from the lower third of the urethra.

If a large number of flat epithelial cells is detected, the urologist is inclined to diagnose a lesion of the male urinary tract by an infection. After this, an additional examination of the patient is prescribed and only then the diagnosis is specified.

Single squamous epithelium in urine

Despite numerous innovative diagnostic methods, general urine analysis is still in demand. Correctly conducted collection of material for research, and the specialist receives a fairly informative result. Knowing how to analyze certain deviations from the norm, a qualified doctor is able to assume the presence of pathology, and, more specifically, prescribe further examination.

But if the analysis shows a single flat epithelium in the urine, then you should not worry right away. Its insignificant presence in the urine is an indicator of the norm, because single cells can be present in it constantly. The main thing is to properly prepare for the analysis, following all the doctor's recommendations.

Squamous epithelium in child's urine

The issue of the presence of flat epithelial cells in the urine of an adult has already been raised above in the article. It was also mentioned that this sediment is present in girls and women almost constantly, since the epithelium of the uterus changes quite often and the exfoliated cells are also often excreted from the body of the fair sex. Whereas in men their presence most likely indicates an infectious lesion of the urinary tract.

Squamous epithelium may be detected in the urine of a child. For example, in newborn babies, not only squamous but also renal and/or transitional epithelial cells may be present in the urine, but their presence does not indicate any disease. This is normal for a newborn. And this is explained by the adaptation of the child's urinary system to a new, extrauterine, environment.

As we grow older, these criteria for assessing the norm change. In an older child, the presence of squamous epithelium in the urine may indicate the occurrence of an inflammatory process of infectious etiology that affects the baby's genitourinary system.

This indicator in the urine of a child should normally be reduced to the absence of epithelial cells or there should be no more than one to three of them in the field of vision. But children, like adults, should be prepared for this analysis, otherwise the results of the study may be distorted. Therefore, before submitting urine, the child must be washed thoroughly. The jar in which the tests will be submitted must be sterile. Only in this case can the results of this study be trusted.

The presence of squamous epithelium in urine and ignorance of the norms can upset a person and make him panic. But it turns out that cells of this type do not carry any special diagnostic value. But their presence in urine should not be completely ignored. If the analysis shows a large number of them in the urine, this may indicate an inflammatory process in the human genitourinary system. Therefore, in order not to worry in vain, it is better to consult a specialist. Only a qualified doctor can dispel all your doubts and, if necessary, give recommendations or prescribe additional examination and effective therapy. Do not forget that early diagnosis is an opportunity to get rid of the disease with fewer losses and complications for your body.

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