Epithelial Cells in Urine: Causes & What High Levels Mean

Epithelial cells are cells that line the surfaces of organs and cavities in the body. Squamous epithelial cells are thin, flat cells that are found in the lining of the urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra.

In a urine test, the presence of epithelial cells can indicate inflammation or infection in the urinary tract. However, the presence of a few epithelial cells in the urine is not usually cause for concern. If the number of epithelial cells in the urine is high, it may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a kidney infection.

If you have a urine test that shows the presence of epithelial cells, your doctor may recommend further testing to determine the cause.