Urine pH

According to MedlinePlus, the urine pH test measures the level of acid in urine, expressed as pH; the laboratories give no unit with it. According to MedlinePlus, the provider uses a dipstick with a colour-sensitive pad, and the colour of that pad shows the acid level. Star-SHL measures the pH as part of the urine strip (code UU02), in a portion of urine, preferably morning urine.

Urine acidity matters because, according to MedlinePlus, different types of kidney stones can form depending on how acidic the urine is. According to MedlinePlus, the test may also be done to see whether someone has a metabolic condition, such as renal tubular acidosis, in which the kidneys do not properly remove acids from the blood. In addition, according to MedlinePlus, some medicines for a urinary tract infection work better when the urine is acidic, or when it is alkaline.

According to MedlinePlus, a urine pH test may be done to check for changes in the acidity of the urine, for example at a risk of kidney stones or when someone needs certain medicines for a urinary tract infection. Beforehand, according to MedlinePlus, the provider may ask you to stop medicines that can affect the result, such as acetazolamide, sodium bicarbonate or a thiazide diuretic, but never stop a medicine without talking to your provider first. MedlinePlus advises eating a normal, balanced diet for several days before the test.