Home›Colour

Content created by

Written by

BDS, MDS - Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

Reviewed by

Dr. Ashish Ranjan

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Want to know more?
Read our Editorial Policy

Colour

You need to provide

Urine

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

The urine sample must preferably be the first-morning midstream urine (part of urine that comes after the first and before the last stream). Collect the urine sample in a sealed and sterile screw-capped container provided by our sample collection professional. Ensure that the urethral area (from where the urine is passed) is clean & the container doesn't come in contact with your skin. Women are advised not to give the sample during the menstrual period unless prescribed.

Understanding Colour

What is Colour?

The Urine Colour is a simple, non-invasive test used to assess an individual's overall health. It provides insights into the hydration levels, diet or potential medical conditions.

Urine colour can be a valuable indicator of overall health, reflecting hydration status, dietary habits, and potential underlying medical conditions. Normal urine ranges from light yellow to dark amber, which is primarily due to the pigment called urochrome. Deviations from this spectrum can signal various health problems,prompting timely medical intervention.

The primary benefit of urine colour testing is its ability to indicate hydration levels. Light yellow or straw-colored urine typically signifies adequate hydration, while dark yellow or amber urine may suggest dehydration. Chronic dehydration can strain the kidneys, leading to potential kidney problems such as kidney stones and other renal complications.

Abnormal urine colours can be indicative of specific health conditions. For instance, red or pink urine might suggest the presence of blood, possibly due to a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or more severe conditions like tumors. Brownish colored urine can indicate liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, often resulting from elevated levels of bilirubin. Cloudy or milky urine may signal a urinary tract infection or the presence of phosphate crystals. Early detection through urine color changes can facilitate prompt diagnostic testing and treatment, preventing the progression of these conditions.

The test is usually performed during routine medical check-ups or when symptoms related to hydration or urinary tract problems are present.

Before the test, make sure you’ve drunk enough water to provide a urine sample. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications and supplements that could affect urine colour. A morning mid-stream urine sample should be collected into a sterile container provided by the sample collection professional. Women are advised not to give the sample during their menstrual period unless prescribed, as it can interfere with certain test results.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on their methodology and guidelines. Do not self-medicate at home solely based on these results and consult your doctor for proper understanding of the test results.

What is Colour used for?

The urine Colour test is done:

As a part of routine medical checkups to ensure overall health.
To assess hydration status.
To monitor kidney health.
To detect dietary influences.
To understand how certain medications or supplements may be affecting your urine colour.
To identify potential health issues such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, liver diseases and more.
To diagnose the cause of symptoms such as unusual urination patterns, abdominal pain etc.

What does Colour measure?

The urine colour test primarily measures the concentration and colour of urine to provide insights into an individual’s overall health. It assesses hydration status, with clear to light yellow urine indicating good hydration and darker shades suggesting dehydration. It can also detect urinary tract infections (UTIs) through unusual colours like cloudy or reddish urine, signaling the presence of blood or pus. Abnormal urine colours, such as dark brown or amber, may indicate liver conditions like hepatitis or cirrhosis, while pink, red, or brown urine can reveal the presence of blood, signaling kidney issues, trauma, or potential malignancies. The test can reflect dietary influences and supplement intake, with certain foods and vitamins causing colour changes. It can also highlight metabolic disorders, such as porphyria, which may cause purple urine. Additionally, medication effects and potential exposure to toxins can be inferred from changes in urine colour, making this test a comprehensive indicator of overall health and potential underlying conditions.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Colour

Frequently Asked Questions about Colour

Q. What is the urine colour test?

The urine colour test involves evaluating the colour of your urine, which can provide insights into your hydration levels, diet, and overall health.

Q. Why is the colour of urine important?

The colour of urine can indicate hydration status, the presence of certain medical conditions, or the effects of certain foods, medications, or supplements. Changes in urine colour can indicate issues such as dehydration, infections, liver disease, or the presence of blood allowing for early detection and timely intervention.

Q. What does normal urine colour look like?

Normal urine colour ranges from pale yellow to amber, depending on hydration levels and other factors.

Q. What should I do if my urine colour changes?

If you notice an unusual or persistent change in urine colour, consult your doctor. They may recommend further tests to determine the underlying cause.

Q. What do different urine colours mean?

Different urine colours can indicate various levels of hydration, dietary influences, medications, and potential health issues.

Q. What does dark yellow or amber urine mean?

Dark yellow or amber urine typically indicates dehydration. It can also be influenced by certain foods and supplements.

Q. What does red or pink urine indicate?

Red or pink urine can be caused by blood in the urine (hematuria), certain foods (like beets or blackberries), or medications.

Q. What causes brown urine?

Brown urine can be due to severe dehydration, certain medications, liver or kidney disorders.

Q. Why might urine be blue or green?

Blue or green urine can result from certain bacterial infections, medications, or food dyes. While rare, it’s best to consult your doctor if you notice this colour.

Q. What does cloudy urine mean?

Cloudy urine can indicate a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or other conditions. It can also result from dehydration or certain foods.

Q. Can diet affect urine colour?

Yes, certain foods and beverages can affect urine colour. For example, beets, blackberries, and can turn urine red or pink, while asparagus can give it a greenish tint and a distinct smell.

Q. How does hydration affect urine colour?

Hydration plays a significant role in urine colour. Clear or light yellow urine usually indicates adequate hydration, while darker urine suggests dehydration.

Q. Can medications change urine colour?

Yes, some medications and supplements can change the colour of your urine. For example, certain antibiotics and vitamins supplements can cause urine to appear differently coloured.

Q. Is it normal for urine colour to change throughout the day?

Yes, it is normal for urine colour to vary throughout the day based on fluid intake, diet, and other factors.

Q. When should I see a doctor about urine colour changes?

You should see a doctor if you notice persistent changes in urine colour, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like pain, discomfort, fever, or changes in urinary habits.

+ more