Definition of Urine pH:

A urine pH test measures the acidity of urine.

See also: Acid loading test

How the test is performed:

A urine sample is needed. For information on collecting a urine sample, see: Clean-catch urine sample

How to prepare for the test:

Your health care provider may tell you to stop taking certain drugs that can affect the results of the test.

• Drugs that increase urine pH include acetazolamide, potassium citrate, and sodium bicarbonate.
• Drugs that can decrease urine pH include ammonium chloride, thiazide diuretics, and methenamine mandelate.

Eat a normal, balanced diet for several days before the test.

• A diet high in citrus fruits, vegetables, or dairy products can increase your urine pH.
• A diet high in meat products or cranberries can decrease your urine pH.

How the test will feel:

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

Why the test is performed:

This test measures how acidic your urine is. Your doctor may order this test to check for changes in your body's acid levels.

It may be done to see if you are at risk for kidney stones. Acidic urine is associated with xanthine, cystine, uric acid, and calcium oxalate stones. Alkaline urine is associated with calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, and magnesium phosphate stones.

Your doctor may also order this test if you need to take certain medications. Some medications are more effective in acidic or alkaline environments. For example, streptomycin, neomycin, and kanamycin are more effective in treating urinary tract infections when the urine is alkaline.