It means that the cells that line structures were found, but they were not the type found in the kidneys.
What does it mean when there are higher than normal levels of renal epithelial cells in urine?
Renal epithelial cells line the tubules of the kidneys and play a crucial role in processes like filtration, secretion, and reabsorption of substances in the urine. They have specific structures and functions that enable the kidneys to regulate the body's fluid balance and eliminate waste products.
Casts
Epithelial cells are the cells your body uses to line tubes, among other things, and the term renal refers to the kidney. So they are saying that in the urine they found some cells that normally line tubes, but they could tell they weren't from the kidney. This could mean they came from the bladder, the ureters, urethra, or even someplace else.
Epithelial cells in urine generally means that the urine was not a clean mid-stream collection. Epithelial cells, are lining cells of the urethra and are constantly being turned over and sloughed. These cells are commonly called squamous epithelial cells. These cells can also indicate vaginal or perianal contamination. By voiding the first few mL of urine before collecting, there should be a very minimal amount of epithelial cells in the urine. There should only be concern when the epithelial cells found are determined to be renal epithelial cells. And are only concerning in high concentrations. These cells come from the renal tubules and can be a sign of renal disease and should be followed up by your physician.
An adaptation of the epithelial cells of the proximal civilities tubule for reabsorption is
There are different types of epithelial cells that can be observed in urine. These may transitional, renal tubular, squamous, or neoplasia.
Proximal Convoluted Tubule
Urine is a generally thought of as a sterile body fluid, therefore, evidence of white blood cells or bacteria in the urine is considered abnormal and may suggest a urinary tract infection such as, bladder infection (cystitis), infection of kidney (pyelonephritis). White blood cells may be detected in the urine through a microscopic examination (pyuria or leukocytes in the blood). They can be seen under high power field and the number of cells are recorded (quantitative).
It means that the cells that line structures were found, but they were not the type found in the kidneys.
The lining of the smallest tubules in the kidneys is composed of a single layer of specialized cells called renal tubular epithelial cells. These cells play a crucial role in reabsorbing essential substances from the filtrate and secreting waste products into the urine.
New surface epithelial cells are derived from stem cells located in the basal layer of the epithelium. Epithelial cells lining the intestines are derived from stem cells located in the intestinal crypts.