Acid loading test (pH)
The acid loading test (pH) measures the ability of the kidneys to send acid to your urine when there is too much acid in your blood.
See also: Urine pH
How the Test is Performed
You will be told to take ammonium chloride capsules by mouth for 3 days. Then, a urine and blood sample are taken. The laboratory measures the level of acid found in both samples.
For information on how the urine and blood samples are obtained, see:
How to Prepare for the Test
Your doctor will tell you to take ammonium chloride capsules by mouth for 3 days prior to the test.
How the Test Will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the Test is Performed
This test is done to see how well your kidneys control the body's acid-base status.
Normal Results
Urine with a pH less than 5.3 is normal.
The examples above are common measurements for results of these tests. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
The most common disorder associated with an abnormal result is renal tubular acidosis.
Risks
There are no risks associated with providing a urine sample.
The risks of having blood drawn include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
References
Seifter JL. Acid-base disorders.In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds.Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 120.
Update Date: 12/19/2011
Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Herbert Y. Lin, MD, PHD, Nephrologist, Massachusetts General Hospital; Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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