.
What Is A Urine pH Test?
A urine pH test is a simple laboratory test that uses a sample of urine to determine its acidity or alkalinity. The pH of urine varies throughout the day, so a urine pH test can be used to check a person’s overall health and well-being.
Why Performing A Urine pH Test
A urine pH test may be used to screen for and diagnose a variety of medical conditions. For instance, a high pH can be an indicator of a urinary tract or kidney infection. High pH can also indicate the presence of a metabolic disorder, such as diabetes. Low pH can be a sign of dehydration.
Preparation
There is no special preparation needed for a urine pH test. Just make sure to follow any instructions your doctor gives you. Your doctor may ask you to collect your urine sample first thing in the morning, or after having refrained from eating and drinking for several hours.
Procedure
Your doctor will provide you with a urine collection cup, and instructions for properly collecting a sample. After you have collected a sample, your doctor will then send it to the laboratory for testing. The laboratory will measure the pH of your urine and report the results back to your doctor.
Types Of Urine pH Test
There are two main types of urine pH tests—spot urine testing and 24-hour urine testing. A spot urine test measures the pH of a single sample of urine. A 24-hour urine test measures the pH level of all the urine produced during a 24-hour period.
Risks
Urine pH tests are considered generally safe, with minimal risk for complications. For a spot urine test, the only risk is that the urine sample may be contaminated with bacteria. For a 24-hours urine test, the risk of infection is minimal, but a person may experience some discomfort from having to collect urine for a longer period of time.
When To Get Tested
Your doctor will inform you as to when to get a urine pH test. Generally speaking, a urine pH test may be recommended if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Frequent or painful urination
- Cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
- Urine leakage
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- High blood sugar
- Excessive thirst
Your doctor may also order a urine pH test to monitor the progression of chronic kidney disease or to check for other medical conditions.