Carolina Biological $162.00

 This lab will allow the student to test their own urine for color, pH, specific gravity, glucose, and protein.  An addition to the lab will allow studetns to learn how diet, drugs, and disease alter kidney function.  This lab would be used following discussions about the kidneys, kidney function, and the production of urine.  This lab also teaches urine testing methods and use of technology to test urine.

 30 Urine specimen containers  2 Urine hyrdometers and jar sets  30 Glass vials  30 Dropping pipets  Jumbo pH stripes, wide range  30 Clinictest tablets with chart  Biuret Reagent  30 Student Guides

 10 mL Graduated Cylinder  Access to sinks (for hand washing)

 Must be calibrated either before or during the lab. The teacher or the students may complete the calibration.  To calibrate hydrometers  Rinse hyrdrometers and jar throughly  Fill jar ¾ full of water  Place hyrdrometer in the jar without it touching the sides  Read the level of water on the hydrometer scale

 Hydrometers measure the specific gravity of a substance  Water has a specific gravity of  If your hydrometer reading of water is not you will need to alter your specific gravity of urine, when it is tested

 EXAMPLE 1  The measured specific gravity of water is  The hydrometer reading is too high  That amount (0.004) must be subtracted from the urine measurement to obtain the true specific gravity of the urine  (measured urine value) (calibration factor) = (specific gravity of urine)  EXAMPLE 2  The measured specific gravity of water is  The hydrometer reading is too low  That amount (0.004) must be added to the urine measurement to obtain the true specific gravity of the urine  (measured urine value) (calibration factor) = (specific gravity of urine)

 Color  Normal color range is light yellow to amber  Color depends on the amount of urochrome found in the urine  Urochrome is produced as a result of hemoglobin brake down in unused/old red blood cells  Lighter and darker colors can be caused by food, drugs, and disease  Table 2 on the Student Sheet may be useful

 pH  pH is the measure of H + ions concentration, which indicates acidity and alkalinity  pH 7 = neutral  pH below 7 = acid  pH above 7 = base  Normal urine has a pH of 6.0  Food and disease may affect urines pH  Table 3 on the Student Sheet may be useful

 Specific gravity  Density of a solution compared to water  Urines specific gravity ranges from to  Varies do to fluid intake and disease

 Glucose  Presence indicates diabetes mellitus  Severe metabolic disorder  Due to defective carbohydrate utilization  May be present after a large meal or during times of emotional stress

 Protein  Small amounts of proteins are nomrally found in urine  Biuret reagent causes a color change in the presence of excessive protein  Diet and disease can affect protein levels