Culture of cells from the urine and bladder washings of adults

Abstract

Cell cultures were attempted from the urine of 5 adults. Of the 28 cultures which were initiated, 21 resulted in the formation of one or more colonies of epithelial cells. Growth could be maintained up to 2 transfers. Poor colony formation was evident in 2 of 4 samples of a saline irrigation of the bladder. This technique may prove to be useful for short-term studies when venipuncture or biopsy are impractical and when epithelial cells are desirable.