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Posted by: schrodinger_hated_cats on 2010-07-15, 11:16:13
The normal urine pH values range from 4.6 to 8.0. Certain medical conditions such as urinary infections can alter urine pH, as can various other common conditions. However, many PO's don't understand this and will declare a sample as "tampered " or "abnormal " despite having a pH that falls within the "normal " human physiological range. Your PO should not declare the sample as tampered IF it's just the pH that's out of the "narrower " so-called normal range that PO's use. PO's are NOT physicians, however, and they may not fully understand what "Normal " truly is. I know-- I learned that when I had a test once. I was an as-yet undiagnosed diabetic and that drug screen probably saved my life. However, my PO thought I tampered with the test because of altered pH-- I proved a new diagnosis of diabetes following the results of the UA, and requested a retest with the reserve sample. Once the diabetes was accounted for, I passed with flying colors, and also got my diabetes regulated. But had I been immediately jailed without having seen a doctor, I could have POSSIBLY died from ketoacidosis (see the list). You ought to be able to access the other part of the sample for outside testing if there is a serious question. The lab ought to also test for adulterants as part of a routine screen, as well as specific gravity to ensure that the sample isn't diluted. A high (alkaline) urine pH may be due to: Gastric suction Kidney failure Kidney tubular acidosis Urinary tract infection Vomiting Asthma A low (acidic) urine pH may be due to: Diabetic ketoacidosis Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (such as emphysema) Diarrhea Starvation Fever Heavy alcohol consumption Drugs that increase urine pH include acetazolamide, potassium citrate, and sodium bicarbonate. Drugs that can decrease urine pH include ammonium chloride, certain antacids, chlorothiazide diuretics, and methenamine mandelate. 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. As you can see, many things can affect urine pH, not just tampering. Hope that helps. |
