Distinguishing Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells from White Blood Cells

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course The Urine Microscopic: Microscopic Analysis of Urine Sediment. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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Distinguishing Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells from White Blood Cells

In the top image, renal tubular epithelial (RTEs) cells are indicated by blue arrows, while a black arrow indicates a white blood cell (WBC). In the bottom picture, WBCs are indicated by blue arrows.

  1. Observe size: An RTE cell is more significant than a WBC.
  2. Observe the nucleus: The RTE cell will have a single round nucleus located eccentrically in the cell. A WBC in urine is usually a segmented neutrophil with 3–5 lobes.
  3. Use a supravital stain or Papanicolaou stain to enhance cellular elements.

WBCs.