Test ID: UPH24
pH, 24 Hour, 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)
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 ) 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 <5. If the pH is >5, then a defect in urine acidification should be considered. A urine pH >7 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.
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.
4.5-8.0
Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
Dependent on clinical condition
A pH >7 suggests the presence of urinary tract infection with a urea-splitting organism
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