Outline topic # 5
URINALYSIS- Physical
MLT 310-Urinalysis & OBF
Dr. Bernard C. Silvala/Dr. Ernesto Ramirez
URINALYSIS:
Macroscopic Analysis (1st phase)
Color
Clarity
Specific gravity
Refractive index
Osmolality
Volume
Odor
Urine color:

Factors:
o Metabolic functions
o Physical activity
o Ingested materials
o Pathologic conditions

Pigments:
o Urochrome- yellow
o Uroerythrin- red
o Urobilin- brown
Dark yellow / amber /
orange
Red / pink / brown
Brown / black
Blue / green
Bilirubin (yellow
foam)
Protein (white foam)
Photo-oxid’n of
urobilinogen to
urobilin
Pyridium
(phenazopyridine)
Azo-gantrisin
Dark yellow / amber / orange
Red / pink / brown
Brown / black
Blue / green
Blood
Depends on amount, pH & length
of contact
Hemoglobin
Myoglobin
Porphobilinogen to porphyrins
Medications
& food
Melanin
Homogentistic acid
Medications:
 Levodopa
 Methyldopa
 Phenol derivatives
 metronidazole
Dark yellow / amber / orange
Red / pink / brown
Brown / black
Blue / green
Outline topic # 5
URINALYSIS- Physical
Dark yellow / amber / orange
Red / pink / brown
Brown / black
Blue / green
MLT 310-Urinalysis & OBF
Dr. Bernard C. Silvala/Dr. Ernesto Ramirez
Chromogenic microorganisms
(Pseudomonas)
Purplish – Kleb & Providencia
Photo-ox of bilirubin
Breath fresheners
Medications:
 Methocarbamol
 Methylene blue
 amitriptyline
Urine clarity:
Non-pathologic causes of
turbidity:
– Ppt’n of amorphous PO4
& CO3
– Squamous EC
– Mucus
– Semen
– Feces
– Radiographic mat’l
– Talcum powder
– Vaginal creams
Pathologic causes of turbidity:
– WBC’s
– Bacteria
– Non-squamous EC
– Yeast
– Abnormal crystals
– Lymph fluid
– lipids
NUBECULA
Specific gravity
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
Why is the specific gravity of urine a reflection of the kidney’s ability to concentrate
urine?
How is urine specific gravity measured?
o Urinometry / hydrometry
o Refractometry
o Harmonic oscillation densitometry
o Reagent strip
o Falling drop / dogramaci method
Outline topic # 5
URINALYSIS- Physical
MLT 310-Urinalysis & OBF
Dr. Bernard C. Silvala/Dr. Ernesto Ramirez
Refractometer or TS meter (Total solid)
NV of sp. Gr:
1.008 to 1.030
1.015 to 1.025 (24 hr U)
Osmolality:
 A measure of the number of solute particles per unit of solvent
 Affected only by the number of particles present and not their density
 Used to assess renal concentrating ability
 Evaluation: sodium & chloride
 Measured via freezing point depression
Odor:
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Freshly voided – faint aromatic, nutty odor
Upon standing – ammoniacal
No odor – acute tubular necrosis
Unusual odors o Infections – putrid/foul/ammoniacal
o Diabetic ketones - fruity
o Diet (e.g. Mercaptan)
o Contamination – doubtful (e.g. bleach
Maple syrup – MSUD
Mousy – PKU
Rancid – tyrosinemia
Sweaty feet – isovaleric / glutaric acidemia
Cabbage – methionine malabs
Rotting fish – trimethyl aminuria
Fecaloid – RVF
Volume:
 Normal volume:
 Adult: 800 to 1800 mL / 24 hours
 Children: 6 yrs – 300 to 1000
o 7 to 12 – 500 to 1500
 Polyuria: - >2000
 Oliguria: <500
 Anuria: complete absence (up to 50 mL0
 Nocturia: >500 mL per night
Outline topic # 5
URINALYSIS- Physical
MLT 310-Urinalysis & OBF
Dr. Bernard C. Silvala/Dr. Ernesto Ramirez
Review of Clinical Significance:
What diseases / conditions are associated with abnormalities in urine:
 Color
 Transparency / clarity
 Odor
 Volume
 Specific gravity