All tests › Urine tests

Urine pH

Urine tests · also printed as pH (urine), Urinary pH, Dipstick pH

Typical UK adult range4.5 to 8.0 pH

Ranges vary between laboratories; the range printed on the report takes precedence.

What this test measures

Urine pH measures how acidic or alkaline the urine is. The kidney adjusts it constantly, so it swings with diet, time of day and illness.

Why doctors request it

It is part of a dipstick and is looked at in kidney stone clinics and some rare kidney conditions.

What commonly pushes it up

A vegetarian diet
A urine infection with certain bacteria
Some kidney conditions where acid cannot be excreted
Alkalising medicines as a class

What commonly pushes it down

A high-protein diet
Fasting
Diabetes with ketones
Some medicines as a class

Everyday reasons for a value outside the range

It varies through the day and with meals
A sample left standing becomes more alkaline

About the sample

Fresh sample; read as part of the whole dipstick.

Written by a UK consultant physician. Typical UK adult reference ranges; your laboratory's own printed range takes precedence.

Got a report with Urine pH on it?

Upload a photo or PDF and see every line against the range your lab printed, explained in plain English. First report free.

Read my report free

This is an educational summary of results you uploaded. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not replace the doctor who requested the test. If you are worried, or a result is marked outside range, discuss it with your doctor. Written and reviewed by a UK consultant physician. Reference ranges vary between laboratories.