Body Fluid (Decoy Cell) Test in Kathmandu

About this test

Under the microscope, a cytopathologist examines cells shed into urine or another body fluid looking for so-called decoy cells — enlarged cells with a single dense, glassy nuclear inclusion that swells the nucleus and gives the cell a distinctive ground-glass appearance. They earn their odd name because at first glance they closely mimic the cells of a bladder or urinary-tract cancer, fooling the unwary eye; in reality they are tubular cells infected by a polyomavirus, most often the BK virus and occasionally the related JC virus. These viruses lie dormant in the kidneys of most healthy adults and cause no trouble, but when the immune system is suppressed they reactivate and start damaging the kidney. That is why this test matters most in people who have received a kidney transplant or are on strong immunosuppressive or anti-rejection drugs, in whom BK virus can quietly destroy the new kidney (BK nephropathy) if not caught early. A doctor typically orders it during routine post-transplant monitoring, when a transplanted kidney shows a rising creatinine or unexplained loss of function, or to investigate cells that look suspicious on a previous urine sample. Finding decoy cells is a useful early warning sign, prompting confirmation with a BK viral-load (PCR) blood or urine test and, if needed, a kidney biopsy, alongside a careful review of immunosuppressant doses. A clean, freshly voided sample gives the clearest cells, and results are always interpreted together with the transplant history and viral-load testing rather than in isolation.

Sample type

Urine (fresh, mid-stream) or other body fluid

Preparation

No fasting required. A fresh sample is best, so collect it shortly before bringing it in or pass urine at the lab. Tell us if you have had a kidney or bone-marrow transplant.

Turnaround time

Reports for Body Fluid (Decoy Cell) are typically ready within: 2 Days. Reports can be collected at the clinic during opening hours or shared via WhatsApp once they are ready.

Also known as

Other pathology tests we run

These are routinely ordered alongside Body Fluid (Decoy Cell) or as part of the same diagnostic workup.

How to book

WhatsApp is the fastest way — message us with the test name and your preferred time, and we'll confirm a slot the same day. You can also walk into the clinic at Rumba Chowk, Sanobharang any day between 7AM and 8PM, or fill in our online booking form.