Does this test have other names?

Urine exam with microscope

What is this test?

This test looks at a sample of your urine to see if it contains abnormal cells.

The test is used to screen urine for cancer cells of the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. A urine cytology test alone does not diagnose cancer. If abnormal or cancer cells are found, further testing is done to confirm a diagnosis.

A doctor called a pathologist looks at the cells from your urine sample under a microscope at a lab. Cancer cells may have a distinct look. In most cases, cells that look like cancer are a sign that you have cancer somewhere in your urinary tract.

This test can also find inflamed or infectious cells from the urinary tract. It may give more information on your condition if you have bladder pain syndrome (interstitial cystitis).

Why do you need this test?

You may need this test to screen for problems in your urinary tract, such as bladder cancer. Symptoms of bladder cancer include:

• Blood in your urine.

• Pain in your lower back or around the genital area.

• Painful or burning urination.

• Urgent or frequent need to urinate.

• Difficulty urinating.

Symptoms of kidney cancer include:

• Blood in your urine.

• Lower back pain on one side not caused by injury.

• Belly (abdominal) pain.

• Weight loss.

• Tiredness.

• Fever that is not caused by infection and that doesn't go away.

If you have bladder pain syndrome, this test can also give your doctor more information on your condition. Symptoms of bladder pain syndrome include:

• Bladder pressure.

• Pelvic pain or discomfort often linked to bladder filling, and not because of any other health problem.

What other tests might you have along with this test?

You may also have other tests to diagnose problems in your urinary tract. These may include:

• A urinalysis. This test checks your urine for red blood cells, white blood cells, and sugar.

• Imaging tests. These include X-rays and CT scans of your urinary tract.

• A cystoscopy. During this procedure, your doctor puts a very narrow tube with a camera through your urethra to look at the lining of your bladder and urethra. It's usually done outpatient at a clinic, a doctor's office, or other facility. The doctor will use sedation or anesthesia to make the procedure more comfortable for you.

What do your test results mean?

Test results may vary depending on your age, sex, health history, and other things. Your test results may be different depending on the lab used. Ask your doctor what your test results mean for you.

Negative results mean that no abnormal cells were found. But this result is not accurate enough to completely rule out a problem in the urinary tract.

A positive result means that abnormal cells were found and that you may have a problem in your urinary tract. 

How is this test done?

This test is done with a urine sample. Your doctor will tell you how to collect a urine sample.

Does this test pose any risks?

This test poses no known risks.

What might affect your test results?

Other factors aren't likely to affect your results.

How do you get ready for this test?

You don't need to prepare for this test. Be sure your doctor knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use.