Urinalysis and Body Fluids 6th Edition by Majorie DiLorenzo, Susan Strasinger

Exercise 50

Increased transitional cells are indicative of:

A. Catheterization

B. Malignancy

C. Pyelonephritis

D. Both A and B

Step 1 of 2

Transitional epithelial cells (urothelial):

Transitional epithelium has multi layers of epithelial cells.

• It is found in urinary bladder, lining of renal pelvis, calyces, ducts of prostate gland, superior urethra (male) and ureters.

• Transitional epithelial cells are sloughed from cells of bladder and present in urine in small amount.

• Increased transitional cells appear single, in clumps, or in pairs due to catheterization procedure.

Catheterization:

• Inserting of catheter (tube) through urethra into urinary bladder.

• An increased transitional cell with irregular nuclei and abnormal morphology is an indication of malignancy.

Therefore, “catheterization and malignancy” causes increased transitional cells. Hence, the correct answer is option.