Urinalysis - The Carter Center

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Procedure of the Test
Urine color is recorded, after looking at freshly voided urine specimen. If
the urine sample color is not recorded within 30 minutes after collection,
chemical changes will occur in it, and so its color will change, and will
result in false report.
Clinical Implication
By observing the color of freshly voided urine, an experienced laboratory
technician can forecast the possible findings in the chemical and
microscopical examination of urine. Depending up on the constituents of
urine, the abnormal color of urine varies as follows:
• Pale to colorless urine may indicate:
• Large fluid intake
• Diabetic mellitus
• Diabetic insipidus
• Alcohol consumption
• Nervousness
• Dark yellow or brown red urine may indicate:
• Concentrated urine
• Decreased fluid consumption
• Dehydration
• Fever
• Certain urinary tract medication (eg. phenazophyridine)
• Yellow brown or “beer brown” color may indicate the presence of
bilirubin.
This is also confirmed:
- By looking at the yellow foam or green foam by shaking the
sample.