pH (24H U)
Sourced reference. This entry is compiled from LOINC, Mayo Clinic and is reproduced for reference rather than written by eMed7. Reference ranges differ between laboratories — always read a result against the range printed on your own report.
Assessment of patients with metabolic acidosis, crystalluria, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of alkalinization or acidification of urine for certain medical conditions (eg, treatment of uric acid nephrolithiasis) using a 24-hour collection period
Urine pH is a measure of the acidity/alkalinity of urine and, by itself, usually provides little useful information. Under normal conditions its value is influenced by the type of diet. Some diets (eg, diets rich in meat) have more acid content than others (eg, vegetarian diets).
Changes in urine pH may reflect systemic acid-base disorders. For example, the normal response during metabolic acidosis is a lowering of the urine pH to less than 5. If the pH is greater than 5, then a defect in urine acidification should be considered.
A urine pH of greater than 8 is suggestive of infection by a urea-splitting organism such as Proteus mirabilis.
Therapeutic interventions to either alkalinize or acidify the urine are necessary for some diseases. For example, some crystals have a propensity to form in alkaline urine, while others form in relative acidic urine, and changing the pH may reduce stone formation.
Why this test is done
Dependent on clinical condition.
A pH greater than 8 suggests the presence of urinary tract infection with a urea-splitting organism.
How to prepare
Supplies:
Diazolidinyl Urea (Germall), 5.0 mL (T822)
Urine Tubes, 10 mL (T068)
Container/Tube: Plastic, 10-mL urine tube or a clean, plastic aliquot container
Specimen Volume: 10 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect urine for 24 hours
2. Add 5 mL of diazolidinyl urea as preservative at start of collection or refrigerate specimen during and after collection.
3. Specimen pH should be between 4.5 and 8 and will stay in this range if kept refrigerated. Specimens with pH >8 indicate bacterial contamination, and testing will be cancelled.
Do not attempt to adjust pH as it will adversely affect results.
Additional Information: See Urine Preservatives-Collection and Transportation for 24-Hour Urine Specimens for multiple collections.
Sample type
Urine
Panels that include this test
- Supersaturation panel - 24 hour Urine
Other names for this test
24 Hour pH, 24 HR pH
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Educational content only. This entry describes what a test measures and how published reference ranges are defined. It is not a diagnosis, does not interpret your personal results, and is not a substitute for a qualified doctor.