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What Does "Epithelial Cells 12-15, A PH Level Of 6.0" Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 31 Jan 2014

Question: I have a urine sampe result of Epithelial Cells 12-15, a PH level of 6.0, and numerous pus cells. All other indications are normal. Does this mean I have a kidney infection? My doctor prescribed Ciprofloxacin HCI and Diclofenac Sodium/Misoprostol as a painkiller before sending me to the lab for the urine test. He also told me to take CranMax twice a day.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Numerous pus cells indicate urine infection Detailed Answer: Hi Rosital, Thanks for your query. I have gone through your urine report. Numerous pus cells indicate that you have a Urinary tract (which includes, kidneys, ureters and urine bladder) infection. In kidneys' infection, there is dull pain on both sides of the abdomen, as well as, in the back and, fever. I presume you do not have these symptoms, as there is no mention of the same. Hence, kidneys infection is unlikely. In any case, the treatment remains the same. You may therefore continue Ciprofloxacin for AT LEAST 10 days. Get your urine examination repeated on Day 8 of Ciprofloxacin. ABSENCE of Pus Cells in the repeat urine examination will confirm total eradication of bacteria (and cured urinary infection). You can then safely discontinue Ciprofloxacin after a total course of 10 days. The inner lining (made of epithelial cells) of the urine tract gets inflamed due to urinary infection or any other cause. Epithelial cells gets dislodged and excreted in the urine. Presence of epithelial cells in urine do NOT indicate infection. Hope I have addressed to your concerns to your complete satisfaction and you find my response helpful and informative. I will be happy to answer further queries, if any. Fond regards and have a nice day, Col (Dr.) Rakesh Karanwal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (1 hour later)

Dear Dr. Karanwal, Thank you very much for this helpful answer. To clarify, I had severe pain in my right lower back for 24 hours (around the area I guess my right kidney would be), but it is much less this morning after taking the prescribed medication. It seems to be more painful at night. I still feel tired, weak and have a headache though. Given this pain, is it right to assume I have a kidney infection? If so, do you recommend I take Cipro for ten days (my doctor had initially recommended only 5) as well as the Diclofenac Sodium/Misoprostol for 10 days as well? Thank you again. Best regards, XXXX

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Right kidney infection is a strong possibility Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, 1. Severe lower right back ache signifies infection predominantly in the right kidney. But there is nothing to worry about as the infection will be totally cured. The duration of antibiotic's course is slightly longer than that for lower urinary tract infection. 2. Hence, I would recommend that you take Cipro for 10 days, with repeat urine examination on day 8 of treatment. Aim is to kill ALL BACTERIA. If even a few bacteria survive, they will proliferate rapidly and cause recurrence of urinary infection. 3. Diclofenac Sodium/Misoprostol should be stopped as soon as your pain is completely relieved. 4. generalized weakness and tiredness, dull headache are due to infection and will go away with cure of infection. Take care & God Bless! Col (Dr.) Rakesh Karanwal

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar