What is the Urine Cytology test?

Urine cytology is a laboratory test that analyses cells shed from the lining of the urinary tract into the urine. These cells are examined under a microscope to identify abnormal, pre-cancerous, or malignant changes.

The test is particularly useful for detecting high-grade urothelial abnormalities, which may not be visible on imaging or routine urine tests. It does not assess kidney filtration but focuses on cellular structure and appearance.

Urine cytology is often requested alongside imaging or cystoscopy when urinary tract disease is suspected.

Why do I need a Urine Cytology test?

Abnormal cells can be present in urine even when symptoms are mild or intermittent. Cytology helps investigate underlying causes when routine tests are inconclusive.

You may need this test if you experience:

• Blood in the urine (visible or microscopic)
• Recurrent urinary symptoms without infection
• Unexplained urinary irritation or pain
• Abnormal findings on urine dipstick
• Follow-up of known urinary tract disease
• Monitoring after bladder or urinary tract treatment
• Risk factors such as smoking or occupational exposure

The test helps clarify whether symptoms are linked to cellular abnormalities in the urinary tract.

Benefits of the test

1. Detects abnormal urinary tract cells
   Identifies atypical or malignant cell changes.
2. Useful in haematuria investigation
   Helps evaluate unexplained blood in urine.
3. Non-invasive testing
   Requires only a urine sample.
4. Supports early detection
   Identifies concerning cellular changes before advanced disease.
5. Complements imaging and cystoscopy
   Adds cellular-level information.
6. Useful for follow-up monitoring
   Tracks changes over time in known conditions.
7. Widely used in urology pathways
   Standard test in urinary investigations.
8. Provides diagnostic clarity
   Helps guide further clinical evaluation.

Step-by-step: How we offer testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• Provide a urine sample
• Sample sent to the laboratory
• Cells examined microscopically
• Results are issued once analysis is complete

Home or hotel collection (+£60, UK-wide)

• Urine collection kit provided
• Sample collected at home or hotel
• Sample returned for laboratory analysis

Your results explained

Negative / no abnormal cells detected

• Cells appear normal
• UK standard: Negative
• No evidence of abnormal cellular changes

Atypical cells

• Minor cellular abnormalities detected
• UK standard: Atypical
• May require follow-up or repeat testing

Suspicious or malignant cells

• Significant abnormal cell changes present
• UK standard: Suspicious or Positive
• Suggests urothelial abnormality requiring further investigation

Urine cytology is most sensitive for high-grade abnormalities; normal results do not exclude all disease.