Practical 4 Functions and Extras

normal urine pH

4.5-8.0

inorganic constituents

chloride, sulfate, phosphate, nitrites

organic constituents

glucose, albumin, ketones, blood, bilirubin, leukocytes

low pH (under 4.5)

diet: high protein, cranberry juice

disease: uncontrolled diabetes mellitus

high pH (above 8)

diet: rich in vegetables, dairy

disease: severe anemia

low specific gravity (below 1.010)

diet: increased fluid intake

disease: severe renal damage

high specific gravity (above 1.025)

diet: decreased fluid intake

disease: uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or severe anemia

glucose present

diet: a large meal

disease: uncontrolled diabetes mellitus

protein present

diet: high protein diet

disease: severe anemia

light yellow to amber

normal

clear to light yellow

diet: alcohol

drugs: phosphate, carbonate

disease: uncontrolled diabetes mellitus

yellow orange to dark green

diet: carrots

drugs: antibiotics

disease: bilirubin from obstructive jaundice

red to red brown

diet: beets

drugs: laxatives

disease: hemoglobin in urine

smokey red

diet: beets

drugs: anticovulsants

disease: unhemolyzed red blood cells from urinary tract

dark wine

diet: beets

drugs: anti-inflammatory drugs

disease: hemolytic jaundice

brown black

diet: rhubarb

drugs: antidepressants

disease: melanin pigment from melanoma

brown

diet: rhubarb

drugs: barbituates

disease: anemia or liver infections

green

diet: green food dyes

drugs: diuretics

disease: bacterial infection