pH Urine

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A urine pH test measures the acidity of urine. The pH of urine is close to neutral but can normally vary between 4.4 and 8. In persons with hyperuricosuria, acidic urine can contribute to the formation of stones of uric acid in the kidneys, ureters, or bladder. Urine pH can be monitored by a physician or at home.

Your doctor may order this test to check for changes in your body's acid levels.
It may be done 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.
The test also may be performed to investigate:
·Alkalosis  
·Interstitial nephritis  
·Acidosis  
·Sepsis  

Test results
A diet high in citrus, vegetables, or dairy can increase urine pH. Some drugs also can increase urine pH, including acetazolamide, potassium citrate, and sodium bicarbonate. A high urine pH may be due to:
·Gastric suction  
·Kidney failure  
·Kidney tubular acidosis  
·Urinary tract infection  
·Vegetarian diet  
·Alkalosis  
·Pyloric stenosis / obstruction  
·Alkalizing drugs  
·Vomiting  

Low pH urine means acidic urine. When you eat food the urine turns alkaline shortly after that and becomes acidic at times when you are not eating. A diet high in meat or cranberries can decrease urine pH (more acidic). Drugs that can decrease urine pH include ammonium chloride, chlorothiazide diuretics, phenacetin, and methenamine mandelate. A low urine pH may be due to:
·Diabetic ketoacidosis  
·Diarrhea  
·Starvation  
A low urine pH is the most important factor leading to uric acid crystallization. Acidic urine can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Low urine pH increases the risk for uric acid nephrolithiasis.

Also you should know
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.


 
 
 
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All information on this page is intended for your general knowledge only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.