CHANGES IN UNPRESERVED URINE

ANALYTE/EXAMINATIO NORMAL EFFECT OF CAUSE

N VALUE/RATE IN UNPRESERVED
FRESH URINE URINE
Color Straw to Amber Color Modified/Darkened Oxidation or
reduction of
metabolites
Clarity Clear Decreased Bacterial growth
and precipitation of
amorphous material
Odor Aromatic Increased Bacterial
multiplication
causing breakdown
of urea to ammonia
pH 4.5-8.0 (Random Increased Breakdown of urea
Specimen) to ammonia by
5.0-6.0 (First Morning urease-producing
Specimen) bacteria. Loss of
Carbon Dioxide
Glucose 0 to 0.8 mmol/l (0 to 15 Decreased Glycolysis and
mg/dL) bacterial use
Ketones Less than 0.6 mmol/L Decreased Volatilization and
bacterial
metabolism
Bilirubin Normally no bilirubin is Decreased Exposure to
detected in the urine light/photo oxidation
to biliverdin.
Urobilinogen Trace to 1 mg/dL Decreased Oxidation to urobilin
Nitrite Normally no nitrites are Increased Multiplication of
detected in the urine nitrate-reducing
bacteria
Red Blood Cells Male: Female: Decreased Disintegration in
0-3/hpf 0-4/hpf dilute alkaline urine
White Blood Cells Male: Female: Decreased Disintegration in
0-2/hpf 0-5/hpf dilute alkaline urine