Do 3 to 4 epithelial cells in a urine test mean I have CKD?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 36 years old and have diabetes, which is sometimes under control and sometimes not. I have had annual kidney function tests (KFT) in the normal range for the last seven years.

I also have urine routine tests twice a year, all of which were normal. Seven months ago, I did a urine microalbumin test, and the result was negative.

I am currently taking Metformin 1000 milligrams and Sitagliptin 50 milligrams.

This time, in the urine routine report, everything is normal except for epithelial cells, which are 3 to 4 (lab reference range: 0 to 5). Previously, they were 1 to 2.

Does this indicate chronic kidney disease (CKD), or is it normal? Is any further investigation required?

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. The finding you mentioned is normal and does not suggest chronic kidney disease (CKD) (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity).

Epithelial cells of three to four per high-power field fall within the laboratory’s normal reference range of zero to five. These types of small variations compared to previous reports (such as one to two earlier) are common and can result from urine sample collection, hydration status, or minor shedding of urinary tract lining cells.

So I am sure these findings alone do not indicate kidney damage.

Also, your overall kidney health indicators are reassuring, as kidney function tests have been normal for several years, urine routine examinations have consistently been normal, and urine microalbumin was negative, which is the earliest marker for diabetic kidney involvement.

In diabetes, CKD is usually indicated by persistent proteinuria or microalbuminuria and rising creatinine levels, not by minor fluctuations in epithelial cell counts within the normal range.

At this point, there is no evidence of CKD, and no additional evaluation is needed based on this report alone. So do not worry and panic. I suggest you continue the regular diabetes control regimen and routine monitoring as advised.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.