Do I need a Squamous Epithelial Cells test?
Do you wonder what's normal when your urine test results mention squamous epithelial cells? Many people get this result and aren't sure what it means or whether they should be concerned.
This biomarker measures the presence of flat cells that naturally shed from the lining of your urethra and lower urinary tract, which can appear in urine samples.
Understanding your urine biomarkers can help you get a clearer picture of what's happening in your body. This result is part of Listen Health's comprehensive urine analysis panel, giving you insights that may support conversations with your healthcare provider and empower more informed health decisions.
What is it?
Squamous epithelial cells are flat cells that line the outer part of the urethra and, in females, the vaginal opening. They are the most common epithelial cells seen in urine and typically indicate surface shedding from the lower urinary tract.
Book Your Test Now
Test Squamous Epithelial Cells as part of 100+ biomarkers with Listen Health's annual membership.
Start Testing TodayWhy does it matter?
A small number of squamous epithelial cells in urine is normal. However, large numbers often suggest contamination of the urine sample, usually from skin or vaginal cells during collection. Contamination can distort test results—potentially leading to inaccurate readings of bacteria, protein, or other markers. Proper collection using a clean-catch midstream method helps ensure sample accuracy and reliable laboratory results.
References
Walber, G. B., Poloni, J. A. T., & Rotta, L. N. (2025). Quality indicators for urine sample contamination: Can squamous epithelial cells and bacteria count be used to identify properly collected samples? Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, 63(4), 612–620.
Maher, P. J., Jablonowski, K. D., & Richardson, L. D. (2020). Squamous epithelial cell presence reduces accuracy of urinalysis for prediction of positive urine cultures. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 38(5), 1013–1018.
Mohr, N. M., Harland, K. K., Crabb, V., et al. (2016). Urinary squamous epithelial cells do not accurately predict urine culture contamination, but may predict urinalysis performance in predicting bacteriuria. Academic Emergency Medicine, 23(3), 323–330.
Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. (2019). Urinary tract infection. https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Biomarkers
Leukocyte esterase
Microalbumin, Urine
Leukocytes
Corrected Calcium (Albumin-adjusted)
HIV 1 & 2 Antigen-Antibody
Magnesium
AHPRA Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and should not replace individual medical advice. Always discuss your test results and health concerns with a registered healthcare practitioner.