Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. For a 24-hour sample, they may offer additional instructions, such as fully emptying the bladder at the beginning of the collection day. A person will urinate normally to provide the sample, although the doctor may ask for the first urine of the day or a midstream sample. These are not usually present in the urine and can indicate an underlying medical condition.Ī urine pH test does not cause side effects. Microscopic exam: A laboratory technician will examine a small amount of urine under a microscope to look for particles, such as red blood cells, crystals, or white blood cells.It may also change color if other substances, such as glucose, white blood cells, bilirubin, or proteins are present in the urine. The dipstick will change color to show how acidic or alkaline the urine is. Chemical dipstick test: A dipstick test involves holding a piece of specially treated paper called litmus paper in a urine sample.Physical, visual exam: When a doctor or laboratory technician examines the urine, they will look at its color, whether foreign material such as blood is present in the urine, and whether the urine appears foamy.

This method requires a person to clean their genital area, release a small amount of urine, and collect about 2 ounces (oz) or 60 milliliters (ml) of urine for pH testing.īoth one-time samples and 24-hour urine samples undergo urinalysis. Trauma (e.g.A doctor may ask for a one-time urine sample, or a 24-hour urine test, where a person collects their urine several times over the course of one day.Ī person will collect a one-time urine sample using the “clean-catch” method to prevent bacteria from entering the sample by catching the urine midstream. Uncomplicated urinary tract infections diagnosed by positive leukocyte esterase and nitrite tests can be treated without culture.ĭehydration, exercise, hemoglobinuria, menstrual blood, myoglobinuriaĬaptopril (Capoten), elevated specific gravity, pH < 5.1, proteinuria, vitamin CĮlevated specific gravity, uric acid, vitamin CĪcidic urine, elevated specific gravity, mesna (Mesnex), phenolphthalein, some drug metabolites (e.g., levodopa)Įlevated specific gravity, glycosuria, ketonuria, proteinuria, some oxidizing drugs (cephalexin, nitrofurantoin, tetracycline, gentamicin), vitamin CĬontamination, exposure of dipstick to air, phenazopyridineĮlevated specific gravity, elevated urobilinogen levels, nitrate reductase-negative bacteria, pH < 6.0, vitamin CĪlkaline or concentrated urine, phenazopyridine, quaternary ammonia compoundsĪcidic or dilute urine, primary protein is not albuminĭextran solutions, IV radiopaque dyes, proteinuriaĬancer (kidney, ureteral, bladder, prostate, and urethral)ĭrugs (e.g., NSAIDs, heparin, warfarin, cyclophosphamide ) Although transient proteinuria typically is a benign condition, persistent proteinuria requires further work-up. Glomerular, renal, and urologic causes of microhematuria often can be differentiated by other elements of the urinalysis. Microhematuria has a range of causes, from benign to life threatening. Specific gravity provides a reliable assessment of the patient’s hydration status. Dipstick urinalysis is convenient, but false-positive and false-negative results can occur. A strong odor may be the result of a concentrated specimen rather than a urinary tract infection. Cloudy urine often is a result of precipitated phosphate crystals in alkaline urine, but pyuria also can be the cause. Midstream clean collection is acceptable in most situations, but the specimen should be examined within two hours of collection. A complete urinalysis includes physical, chemical, and microscopic examinations.

Urine specific gravity range