URINALYSIS
INTRODUCTION: Analyzing the composition of urine can help indicate the
health of an individual such as the presence of HCG in pregnancy tests,
presence of THC metabolite to test for marijuana use, or cloudiness
indicating a urinary tract infection. Diseases like diabetes affect
processes that occur in the kidneys, so a urinalysis also provides
preliminary indications of these diseases. Early diagnosis of these
diseases is important because they can damage the kidneys.
OBJECTIVE: Determine how disease can affect the composition of urine.
MATERIALS:


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4 urine samples: normal, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and hyperthyroidism
pH paper
4 glucose-ketone reagent test strips – used in dipstick test for presence of glucose and ketones
PROCEDURE: For each urine sample,
1. Predict its appearance, pH, and whether it will contain glucose or ketones. Include your reasoning.
2. Observe and record its appearance and determine its composition using the pH paper and glucose-ketone
reagent test strips.
3. Explain how the characteristics of each disease would cause the observed results.
QUESTIONS:
1. For diabetes and hyperthyroidism:
A. What are other common symptoms?
B. What other diagnostic tests would be used to confirm a diagnosis?
2. What other diseases can be diagnosed using a urinalysis test?
EVALUATION:
A – EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS
Thoughtful explanations that are consistent
with ideas/concepts from relevant body
systems & clearly shows connection between
the characteristics of each disease &
observed results. Statements demonstrate
comprehensive understanding of relevant
body systems.
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B – FULLY MEETS EXPECTATIONS
Explanations are somewhat consistent with
ideas/concepts from relevant body systems
&/or shows some connection between the
characteristics of each disease & observed
results. Statements demonstrate
adequate understanding of relevant body
systems.
C – EXPECTATIONS NOT MET
Explanations are not consistent with
ideas/concepts from relevant body
systems &/or do not show connection
between the characteristics of each
disease & observed results. Statements
demonstrate minimal understanding of
relevant body systems.
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URINALYSIS
Name
Partner
PREDICTION
Urine Appearance, pH, & Results for
Glucose-Ketone Reagent Test Strip
Reasoning for Prediction
Period
Date
OBSERVATIONS
EXPLANATION
Results for Each Urine Sample
Reasoning for Observed Results
NORMAL
TYPE 1 DIABETES
TYPE 2 DIABETES
HYPERTHYROIDISM
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URINALYSIS: TEACHER GUIDE
NOTE: Answers for student handout in hidden text – click on ¶ on HOME toolbar to show answers
Students should be familiar with the following prescribed learning objectives from BC Biology 11 & 12
Integrated Resource Package 2006:
B11 Analyse the roles of enzymes in biochemical reactions: identify the thyroid as the source gland for
thyroxin, and relate the function of thyroxin to metabolism
C13 Analyse the functional inter-relationships of the structures of the urinary system: identify and explain the
functions of the components of the nephron, describe the production of urine, and describe how the
kidneys maintain blood pH
Time Required: 60 minutes
Predict results with reasoning – including time to do online research: 20 minutes
Test urine samples and record results: 10 minute
Explain results and answer questions: 30 minutes
Assigning pre-reading about diabetes and hyperthyroidism may reduce the time required to complete activity.
Preparation:
Requires ~100mL of each urine sample for 15 sets per class: ~5-6mL of each urine sample per group
Urine Sample
Component
Normal
Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes Hyperthyroidism
water (mL)
100
50
100
50
acetone (mL)
0
50
0
50
glucose (g)
0
yellow food coloring (mL)
0.02
1–1.5
1–1.5
(0.0056M-0.111M)
(0.0056M-0.111M)
0.01
0.01
0
0.03
250mL water
+
1-2 drops yellow
food coloring
100mL water
(colored)
Normal
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50mL water
(colored)
+
50mL acetone &
1-1.5g glucose
Type 1 Diabetes
50mL water
(colored)
+
50mL water &
1-1.5g glucose
Type 2 Diabetes
50mL water
(colored)
+
50mL acetone &
1 drop food color
Hyperthyroidism
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Expected Results:
NOTE: When glucose-ketone reagent test strips,
1. Reading time does not affect results – test strips will continue darken over time
2. Ketone pad has poor sensitivity to acetone so color change is minimal
Normal
Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes Hyperthyroidism
References:
American Thyroid Association: thyroid.org
Canadian Diabetes Association: diabetes.ca
Global Diabetes Community: diabetes.co.uk
Medline Plus:
diabetes: nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001214.htm
hyperthyroidism: nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000356.htm
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: niddk.nih.gov
National Kidney Foundation: kidney.org
Understanding urine tests: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0072534
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