Urine (red blood cells, white blood cells, epithelial cells) related issues?
Hello Director Hsiao, my mother is 64 years old.
Recently, she underwent blood and urine health examinations.
Among the urine test results, three items were noted: red blood cells (RBC) were 0-1, white blood cells (WBC) were 1-2, and epithelial cells were 1-2.
I would like to ask if these values are normal and what they represent.
Thank you for your hard work!
Jacky, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/05/08
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Urinalysis specimen collection is typically performed by the patient, who collects urine in a test tube.
After centrifugation, the laboratory technician extracts the sediment and examines it under high power field (HPF, approximately 400X) microscopy.
Red blood cells (RBC) 0-1: This indicates that there are 0-1 red blood cells observed in the high power field, which is considered normal and does not show significant microscopic hematuria (e.g., urinary tract stones, cystitis, tumors, interstitial nephritis, etc.).
White blood cells (WBC) 1-2: This indicates that there are 1-2 white blood cells observed in the high power field, which is considered normal and does not show signs of inflammation or infection (e.g., urinary tract infection, nephritis, tumors, etc.).
Epithelial cells (Epi) 1-2: This indicates that there are 0-1 epithelial cells observed in the high power field, which is considered normal and does not show significant shedding of urinary epithelial cells (e.g., dehydration, inflammation, etc.).
If you have further questions, it is advisable to discuss them with your primary care physician.
Reply Date: 2014/05/08
More Info
Understanding urine test results is crucial for assessing a person's health, particularly when it comes to the presence of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and epithelial cells in the urine. In your mother's case, her urine test results show RBC levels of 0-1, WBC levels of 1-2, and epithelial cells of 1-2. Let's break down what these values mean and whether they fall within normal ranges.
Red Blood Cells (RBC)
The presence of red blood cells in urine, known as hematuria, can indicate various conditions, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, or more serious issues like tumors or glomerulonephritis. However, in your mother's case, the RBC count of 0-1 is considered normal. Typically, a normal urine sample should have fewer than 3 RBCs per high power field (HPF) when examined under a microscope. Therefore, her result suggests that there is no significant hematuria, and it does not raise immediate concerns.
White Blood Cells (WBC)
White blood cells in urine can indicate inflammation or infection in the urinary tract. A WBC count of 1-2 is also within the normal range, as normal urine samples usually show 0-5 WBCs per HPF. This result suggests that there is no significant infection or inflammatory process occurring in the urinary tract. If the WBC count were higher, it could indicate a urinary tract infection or other inflammatory conditions.
Epithelial Cells
Epithelial cells in urine can come from the lining of the urinary tract. A count of 1-2 epithelial cells is generally considered normal. While a higher number of epithelial cells can indicate irritation or damage to the urinary tract, the levels seen in your mother's test do not suggest any significant pathology.
Summary
In summary, your mother's urine test results show:
- RBC: 0-1 (Normal, no significant hematuria)
- WBC: 1-2 (Normal, no signs of infection)
- Epithelial Cells: 1-2 (Normal, no significant irritation or damage)
These results suggest that her urinary tract is functioning well without signs of infection or significant pathology. However, it is always advisable to discuss any test results with a healthcare provider, especially if there are symptoms or concerns.
Additional Considerations
While these results are reassuring, it is essential to consider the overall clinical picture. If your mother has symptoms such as pain, changes in urination, or other health issues, further evaluation may be warranted. Regular follow-ups and monitoring are crucial, especially given her age and any underlying health conditions she may have.
In conclusion, the values from your mother's urine test are within normal limits and do not indicate any immediate health concerns. However, maintaining open communication with her healthcare provider for ongoing health assessments is always a good practice.
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