What does the presence of squamous epithelial cells in urine suggest?

The presence of squamous epithelial cells in urine typically suggests contamination from the skin or urethra. These cells are found in the lining of the urinary tract, particularly in the urethra and surrounding areas. When urine is collected, especially in a non-clean catch method, these cells can easily be introduced into the sample, indicating that the urine may not be completely representative of the kidneys or bladder.

In contrast, kidney damage, acute renal failure, and urinary tract infections usually manifest with different types of cells or other laboratory findings. For example, kidney damage is often indicated by the presence of renal tubular cells, casts, or protein in the urine, while infections can lead to the presence of leukocytes and bacteria rather than squamous epithelial cells. Recognizing these distinctions is critical for interpreting urine sediment analysis accurately.