Specific gravity is not the only parameter upon which your urine sample is measured when you are trying to pass a drug test.  Another important measurement is the pH level of your urine specimen.  The pH level in your urine sample is a measurement of the acidity and alkalinity of your urine.  Why is this important? The pH level has to be within an acceptable range otherwise this could be an indication of potentially dangerous health conditions.

A urine specimen with a pH level of between 0 and 7 would indicate acidity in the urine.  This is important because it can be an indication of uncontrolled diabetes, dehydration or respiratory disease.  A urine specimen with a pH level of between 7 and 14 indicates alkalinity in the urine sample.  This is also important because it may indicate health issues like chronic renal failure, urinary tract obstruction and respiratory problems involving hyperventilation.

If you have a urinary tract infection, the bacteria causing the infection tends to make the urine sample more alkaline.  Also, if your diet is rich in citrus fruits, vegetables and legumes your urine tends to be more alkaline as well. A diet rich in proteins (meats) will produce a more acidic sample.

During sleep, your pulmonary ventilation decreases causing what is known as respiratory acidosis where there is an increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood lowering the pH level.  The result would be a more acidic urine sample with your first urination of the morning.

(To Be Continued