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Test Code BF36 pH, Urine

Clinical Information

Measures the acidity/alkalinity of urine. Aciduria  can be seen with metabolic or respiratory acidosis, diabetic ketoacidosis, hypokalemia, among other conditions. Alkalinuria can be seen with metabolic or respiratory alkalosis, certain bacterial infections such as Proteus mirabilis. Aides in the identification of urine crystals as different types of crystal preferentially form in either acidic or alkaline urine. 

Synonym

  • UPH

Specimen Required

Preferred Container/Tube: Urine Container
Acceptable Container/Tube: Urine Container
Specimen Volume: 8 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Ambient: 
         Non-preservative tubes: 2 hours
         Preservative tubes: 72 hours
         NOTE: Preservative specimens are accepted but are not recommended.
Refrigerated: 8 hours

Rejected Due To

  • Unlabeled specimens
  • Ambient specimens >2 hours old
  • Specimens with fecal or vaginal contamination
  • Use of boric acid urine preservative
  • Specimens in collection cups

Reference Values

5.0-7.0

Method Description

Double indicator principle to cover the range of urinary pH range. Colors range from orange through yellow and green to blue.

Performing Lab

Clinical Lab UH
Clinical Lab University East
Clinical Lab James
Clinical Lab Martha Morehouse
Clinical Lab Spielman
Clinical Lab West Campus

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

Same day/1 day

Reporting Name

pH, Urine

CPT Code Information

81003

LOINC Code Information

5803-2