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Urine pH

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Female urinary tract
Female urinary tract
Male urinary tract
Male urinary tract
PH urine test
PH urine test

Alternative Names    Return to top

pH - urine

Definition    Return to top

A urine pH test measures the acidity of urine.

See also: Acid loading test

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

To obtain a clean-catch urine sample, boys and men should wipe the head of the penis clean. Girls and women need to wipe between the vaginal "lips" (labia) with soapy water and rinse well. Your doctor may give you a special clean-catch kit that contains a cleansing solution and sterile wipes.

To perform this test, first urinate a small amount into the toilet bowl to clear the urethra of any contaminants. Then, collect a sample of urine in a clean or sterile container. About 1 - 2 ounces of urine is needed for a test. Remove the container from the urine stream without stopping the flow. You may finish urinating into the toilet bowl. Take the sample to the lab.

For infants, the genital area is cleaned and dried, and then a collection device is attached to collect the urine. If you are asked to collect the urine, be sure the collection device is attached securely to prevent leakage. After your baby has urinated, the urine (at least 20 cc) is placed in a sterile container.

How to Prepare for the Test    Return to top

Your health care provider may tell you to stop taking certain drugs that can affect the results of the test.

Eat a normal, balanced diet for several days before the test.

How the Test Will Feel    Return to top

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

Why the Test is Performed    Return to top

This test measures how acidic your urine is.

Your provider may want to test your urine pH to see if you are at risk for kidney stones. Acidic urine is associated with xanthine, cystine, uric acid, and calcium oxalate stones. Alkaline urine is associated with calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, and magnesium phosphate stones.

Your doctor may also order this test if you need to take certain medications. Some medications are more effective in acidic or alkaline environments. For example, streptomycin, neomycin, and kanamycin are more effective in treating urinary tract infections when the urine is alkaline.

Normal Results    Return to top

The normal values range from 4.6 to 8.0.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

A high urine pH may be due to:

A low urine pH may be due to: The test also may be performed to investigate:

Risks    Return to top

There are no risks.

Considerations    Return to top

Urine pH can be affected by various factors after collection such as leaving the urine standing in an uncovered container. Bacteria usually increase the pH as they break down urea in the urine to ammonia.

Update Date: 10/22/2007

Updated by: Robert Mushnick, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Nephrology, SUNY Downstate Health Center, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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