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

• A. Glomerular bleeding
• B. Tubulointerstitial inflammation
• C. Contamination from vaginal or skin origin; poor collection technique.
• D. Concentrated urine

Answer: (C)

Many squamous epithelial cells in urine sediment point to contamination from external tissues rather than changes inside the urinary tract. Squamous cells line the skin of the genital area and the distal urethra, and they shed easily. If the specimen isn’t collected as a clean-catch midstream, vaginal secretions or skin cells can be carried into the sample, leaving a high number of squamous cells. This is a quality indicator that the urine specimen may not accurately reflect the urinary tract.

In contrast, glomerular bleeding would show red blood cells (often dysmorphic) and possibly casts rather than a lot of squamous cells. Tubulointerstitial inflammation would more typically present with white blood cells or white cell casts, not a dominance of squamous epithelial cells. Concentrated urine doesn’t inherently cause a surge in squamous cells; their presence mainly signals collection contamination. To improve accuracy, use a proper clean-catch midstream collection or consider a catheterized sample if contamination is suspected.