Near-patient testing is a term used to describe a clinical test that takes place near the patient. Examples include blood-sugar monitoring, blood-pressure measurement and temperature recording. Methods for this type of urine testing were developed in the mids. This method was followed by the development of chemically impregnated reagent sticks. These were initially used as screening tools for protein or glucose in the urine, but are now more sophisticated and are used for testing for a range of urine constituents Box 4.
There is disagreement over the accuracy of reagent testing and studies have suggested the urine test is only 85 per cent reliable and that its use in screening patients is questionable Yuen and Ng, ; Preston et al, Reagent sticks for detecting urinary tract infections - Infection of the urinary tract usually produces pus cells that release an esterase leukocyte esterase. This can be detected by using a urine reagent stick.
Likewise, nitrites can be detected using a urine reagent stick. Nitrites are not normally present in urine; they are produced by the bacterial breakdown of dietary nitrate, which is a waste product of protein metabolism. Urine reagent sticks have been reported as being useful tools for excluding the diagnosis of a urinary tract infection based on their high negative predictive value NPV. The NPV defines the number of individuals with a negative test who do not have an infection.
Flannagan et al and Hiscoke et al suggested that urine samples that are visually clear and negative to reagent stick testing for blood, protein, nitrites and leukocytes could be discarded as uninfected based on negative predictive values of 92 per cent and 98 per cent respectively. The role of urine reagent sticks as tools to reduce laboratory workload has also been reviewed.
Bowler et al introduced local guidelines that recommended the use of urine reagent sticks as a screening tool for urinary tract infection. For viral UTIs, doctors may prescribe medication called antivirals. Treatment for kidney disease means managing the underlying cause of the disease, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
Healthy dietary and lifestyle changes are also important. Keeping hydrated is one of the easiest way to prevent urinary infections and kidney disease.
Drinking cranberry juice or eating cranberries may help lower the risk of developing UTIs. Cranberries contain a chemical that may guard against bacteria attaching to the lining of your bladder. It may be the result of a contaminated sample. Epithelial cells may also reveal underlying conditions, such as a UTI or kidney disorder. Only your doctor can interpret your test results and decide your best course of action.
Even then, further testing may be needed. Leukocytes in the urine could be a sign that you have an infection or an obstruction in the urinary tract or bladder. Learn more about white blood…. Urinary tract infections UTI may be most common in women, but they can affect men as well.
We'll show you how to handle a UTI. A study concluded there was a lack of evidence that cranberry juice was effective for treating UTIs. A raised amount of epithelial cells in the urine are often the sign of a minor infection, such as a UTI or yeast infection. Anyone with bothersome urinary symptoms should see a doctor for urinalysis and a proper diagnosis. The sooner the underlying condition is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin to alleviate symptoms.
A urinary tract infection can affect the bladder, the kidneys and the tubes that link them. Usually caused by bacteria, urinary tract infections are….
Drinking water at any time of day helps someone to rehydrate. However, if they drink it at certain times of the day, there may be other consequences. Learn all about urinary tract infections in men, which are less frequent but can be more serious than UTIs in women.
We look at symptoms and…. Urine tests play a role in diagnosing diabetes and its complications. Both individuals and doctors can use them to monitor health and check for…. Epithelial cells in urine: What does it mean?
Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R. What are they? Testing Results Related conditions Risk factors Treatment Prevention Outlook Epithelial cells line various surfaces of the body, including the skin, blood vessels, organs, and urinary tract.
What are epithelial cells? Share on Pinterest A raised amount of epithelial cells in the urine may indicate an infection or other health condition. It's normal to have a small amount of epithelial cells in your urine. A large amount may indicate an infection, kidney disease, or other serious medical condition.
Other names: microscopic urine analysis, microscopic examination of urine, urine test, urine analysis, UA. An epithelial cells in urine test is a part of a urinalysis , a test that measures different substances in your urine. A urinalysis may include a visual examination of your urine sample, tests for certain chemicals, and an examination of urine cells under a microscope. An epithelial cells in urine test is part of a microscopic exam of urine.
Your health care provider may have ordered an epithelial cells in urine test as part of your regular checkup or if your visual or chemical urine tests showed abnormal results. You may also need this test if you have symptoms of a urinary or kidney disorder. These symptoms may include:. Your health care provider will need to collect a sample of your urine. During your office visit, you will receive a container to collect the urine and special instructions to make sure that the sample is sterile.
These instructions are often called the "clean catch method. You don't need any special preparations for the test. If your health care provider has ordered other urine or blood tests, you may need to fast not eat or drink for several hours before the test.
Your health care provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow. Results are often reported as an approximate amount, such as "few," moderate," or "many" cells.
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