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Kidney

Squamous epithelial cells in urine in women: what the count says about the sample

Squamous epithelial cells are large cells with an irregular shape and a small nucleus, which in a urine sample are thought to come from the genital surfaces, a 2020 US study writes.

A higher count can point to contamination of the sample according to a 2005 US review; few or no cells is the expected result. The squamous epithelial cell count can only be established with a urine test.

Certe gives below 1 per microlitre (µL) as the reference value for squamous epithelial cells counted with a flow cytometer, the same for women and men.

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Squamous epithelial cells are large, irregularly shaped cells that are thought to enter the urine from the genital surfaces; their presence can suggest a contaminated sample. Certe gives below 1 per µL as the reference value for squamous epithelial cells counted by flow cytometry.

  • In a US study in an emergency department, other urine values were less accurate when squamous epithelial cells were in the sample.
  • In a US study of adults, the squamous epithelial cell count was a poor predictor of a contaminated urine culture.

Urine Squamous Epithelial Cells: what Dutch laboratories use

There is no nationally agreed reference value; this is what individual laboratories publish.

Reference ranges by group, in /ul
Certe · Everyone · a limit, not a range < 1 /uL
1
0 1.1 /ul

Source: Certe

Each value as the laboratory itself publishes it, retrieved in 2026.

Urine Squamous Epithelial Cells: what this test measures

A squamous epithelial cell count shows how many of these cells are in a urine sample; Certe measures it with a flow cytometer, per microlitre (µL).

Urine Squamous Epithelial Cells: why this value matters

A clean-catch midstream sample from women is frequently contaminated by vaginal flora, the bacteria from the vagina, according to a 2005 US review, and the same review says the presence of squamous epithelial cells suggests contamination.

Urine Squamous Epithelial Cells: how the blood test works

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Urine Squamous Epithelial Cells: when is testing worthwhile?

A urine test, in which squamous epithelial cells can also be counted, is requested by the doctor according to the NVKC for symptoms that point to an infection of the urinary tract, and also as part of a pregnancy check-up.

Urine Squamous Epithelial Cells: symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Few or no squamous epithelial cells is the expected result, with one Certe reference value of below 1 per µL for women and men.

High Levels

The researchers of a 2020 US study find that emergency-department doctors should rely less on a urine sample with squamous epithelial cells to rule in a urinary tract infection.

Urine Squamous Epithelial Cells: causes of a low or high value

What raises the value

  • Contamination while catching the sample

    Squamous epithelial cells in the sample are thought to come from the genital surfaces; in a study, samples with these cells more often gave a contaminated culture.

  • Female sex

    In an emergency-department study, women more often had squamous epithelial cells in the urine than men.

Urine Squamous Epithelial Cells: lifestyle and this value

Cleansing beforehand does not make a urine sample for squamous epithelial cells and other urine values demonstrably cleaner in women, according to a 2005 US review: in a study the review cites, 32 percent of samples were contaminated with cleansing and 29 percent without. The NVKC still advises cleaning with water, without soap, and passing a little urine first.

Urine Squamous Epithelial Cells: frequently asked questions

Is the reference value for squamous epithelial cells different for women?

No, Certe gives one reference value for squamous epithelial cells in urine, below 1 per µL, for all ages and both sexes.

Urine Squamous Epithelial Cells: sources

  1. Certe, Bepalingenwijzer (referentiewaarden per bepaling), bepalingenwijzer.certe.nl, geraadpleegd 2026-10-01 (retrieved 2026) bepalingenwijzer.certe.nl
  2. Maher PJ, et al. Squamous epithelial cell presence reduces accuracy of urinalysis for prediction of positive urine cultures. Am J Emerg Med 2020;38(7):1384-1388. (retrieved 2026) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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