Understanding Urinalysis Findings
Hello everyone! A couple of weeks ago, I underwent a urinalysis and discovered that a few of the results were flagged as abnormal. However, my physician reassured me that there is no cause for concern. Still, I’m eager to understand what these findings indicate, so any insights would be appreciated. To give you some background, I am a 30-year-old man dealing with acid reflux, GERD, and gastritis, and I take 40mg of esomeprazole daily. In terms of my results, my urine pH was notably high at 8.0, while the standard range is between 5.0 and 7.5. Regarding the ketones, I recorded a 1+, with negative being the normal result. Additionally, my occult blood was at 2+, where a negative result is also considered within a healthy range. Typically, I see a 1+ result for occult blood, and past investigations, including checks on my kidneys, have confirmed there are no issues and that I’m in good health. However, I have never previously encountered a 2+ result. On another note, my bloodwork reflected a BUN/creatinine ratio of 8, with the normal range being 9-20. I would greatly appreciate any feedback, insights, or advice regarding these results. Thank you for your assistance!
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 2:10:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your urinalysis results and background. It’s great to hear that your physician has reassured you, but I understand your desire to gain a clearer understanding of your findings.
Summary of Key Findings:
- High Urine pH (8.0)
- Ketones (1+)
- Occult Blood (2+)
- Low BUN/Creatinine Ratio (8)
Explanation of the Findings:
-
High Urine pH:
- A urine pH of 8.0 is considered alkaline. This can occur due to several reasons, such as diet (high in fruits and vegetables), dehydration, or certain medical conditions. Alkaline urine alone isn’t usually concerning unless coupled with other symptoms.
-
Ketones (1+):
- Ketones are byproducts of fat metabolism. A positive result may indicate that your body is using fat as an energy source instead of carbohydrates. This can happen during fasting, low-carbohydrate diets, or conditions like uncontrolled diabetes. In your case, it's less concerning if you're not experiencing other symptoms indicative of diabetes.
-
Occult Blood (2+):
- This suggests the presence of red blood cells in your urine, which can arise from various sources, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or injury. Since you mentioned a previous 1+ result, an increase to 2+ should be monitored, particularly if you notice additional symptoms like pain or changes in urination.
-
BUN/Creatinine Ratio (8):
- A low ratio can indicate various conditions related to hydration status or protein intake. It's essential to consider factors like diet, hydration, or any recent illness that may have affected your kidney function.
Next Steps:
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Hydration: Ensure you are well-hydrated. Drink enough fluids, particularly water, to help dilute your urine, which can affect pH and reduce urine concentration of other substances.
-
Diet Review: Consider your diet. If you're consuming a lot of alkaline-forming foods, it may help to balance this with a more varied diet that includes protein sources.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any symptoms you may experience in relation to the findings. If you notice changes in urination, pain, or other systemic symptoms, take note of these.
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Follow-Up Testing: If the blood traces or ketones remain high on subsequent tests, or if new symptoms arise, it may warrant further testing or discussion with your physician.
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Keep Records: Document your urinary findings and relevant symptoms (e.g., any discomfort, changes in urinary habits) to share with your healthcare provider during your next visit.
If you have any more questions or need clarification on why specific results may matter, feel free to ask. Remember, it's always good to maintain an open dialogue with your healthcare providers about your lab results and your health concerns.
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