Urinalysis and Body Fluids 6th Edition by Majorie DiLorenzo, Susan Strasinger

Exercise 1

Mrs. Smith frequently shops at the farmer’s market near her home. She notices her urine has a red color and brings a sample to her physician. The specimen tests negative for blood.

a. What is a probable cause of Mrs. Smith’s red urine?

b. Mrs. Smith collects a specimen at the physician’s office. The color is yellow and the pH is 5.5. Is this consistent with the previous answer? Why or why not?

Step 1 of 2

a. Causes of Mrs. Smith’s red urine

Generally, intake of highly pigmented medication and foods causes red urine, which is non-pathogenic.

• Eating fresh beets imparts red color to urine, which is alkaline

• Intake of blackberries produces red color to urine, which is acidic

Therefore, Mrs. Smith has consumed beets.