Urinalysis Procedure

Safety procedures:
1. Goggles should be worn during this activity. Be careful to prevent spilling solutions on clothes, it will stain!
2. Avoid prolonged contact with solutions and cross contamination!!!
3. Wash hands after using solutions in lab

Procedure:
1. Place 10mL of urine sample 1 into a medicine cup.
2. Observe the sample. Record the color, turbidity, and the presence or absence of bubbles in your data chart.
3. Test the pH of the sample using a strip of pH paper. Record the pH in the data table (pH key ranges are in the
plastic container). Repeat this step to test for ketones using a ketone strip (ketone key ranges are in the
bottle).
4. Test the sample for the presence of glucose by pouring half of the urine (about 5mL) into a test tube. Add 5
drops of Benedict’ solution to the test tube. Boil for 2 minutes and allow to cool. A color change from blue to
yellow/orange/red (not pink) indicates a higher than normal concentration of glucose in the urine. Record the
results in the data table.
5. Test the sample for the presence of protein using the Biuret test. Use a disposable pipet to transfer the
remaining urine sample (about 5 mL) into a test tube. Add 10 drops of Biuret solution. Add 3 drops of the
copper solution. A brownish purple or pink color indicates the presence of proteins in the urine. Record the
results in the data table.
6. Repeat steps 1-5 for the other three urine samples.
7. Wash all test tubes with soapy water and a brush. Clean your lab station and return supplies. DO NOT
THROW AWAY PLASTIC CUPS!!!
8. Based on the data collected for each urine sample, identify a possible medical cause or explanation for the
results obtained.
9. Answer the conclusion questions on the student answer page.