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Interpretive Handbook

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Test 9312:
pH, Urine

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

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-having more acid content than others; eg, vegetarian diets). Assessment of urine pH may be useful in the evaluation of systemic acid-base disorder. For example, the normal response during metabolic acidosis is a lowering of the urine pH to less than 5. If it is >5, then a defect in urine acidification should be considered. Often a urine pH above 7 is suggestive of infection of a urea splitting organism such as proteus mirabilis. Monitoring of urine pH may also be helpful during therapeutic interventions to either alkalinize the urine (such as for treatment of uric acid nephrolithiasis) or acidify the urine. Finally, when assessing crystalluria, noting the urine pH may be helpful since some crystals have a propensity to form in alkaline urine while others form in relative acidic urine.

Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Assessment of patients with metabolic acidosis

 

Assessment of crystalluria

 

Monitoring the effectiveness of alkalinization or acidification of urine for certain medical conditions (eg, treatment of uric acid nephrolithiasis)

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

Dependent on clinical condition.

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

A pH >7 suggests the present of urinary tract infection with a urea splitting organism.

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

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