TEER values of confluent cellular monolayers can vary depending on the cell type. Monolayers of certain cell types (e.g., cell type A), which normally show low TEER values, generally have relatively leaky tight junctions. Monolayers of other cell types (e.g., cell type B) show high TEER values, and these cell types are known to have tight junctions. Ions and molecules are known to pass rather easily across leaky cellular layers as compared to tighter cellular layers. The presence of more transcellular ion channels on cells can further allow easier flow of ions or electrical current through the transcellular pathway, which can additionally lower TEER values.

Cell type A allows greater amounts of current and ions to pass between the cells and yields a low TEER value. With its tighter junctions, cell monolayers of type B cells will show a higher TEER value. While both monolayers are confluent, the TEER resistance values can be markedly different based on the nature of the cells themselves.