Acid and Alkaline Urine pH

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Chemical Screening of Urine by Reagent Strip (retired March 2012). Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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Acid and Alkaline Urine pH

Urine pH results must be evaluated in conjunction with a patient's medical condition and clinical history. Factors to be considered include:

  • Respiratory and metabolic status
  • Renal function
  • Crystal or calculi formation
  • Diet
The table below summarizes dietary, medical, and artifactual conditions that may affect urine pH:

ConditionAcid pH
Alkaline pH
High meat diet
X

Vegetarian diet

X
Respiratory/metabolic acidosis
X

Respiratory/metabolic alkalosis

X
Hypochloridemia
X

High concentration of urine glucose
X

Bacterial infection caused by urease-producing bacteria

X
Prolonged storage of specimen at room temperature, allowing multiplication of urease-producing bacteria

X (above 8.0)
Improper procedural technique; excess urine left on reagent strip, allowing acid buffer in protein pad to run over into adjacent pH pad (refers to some reagent strip configurations)
X