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Female urinary tract
Female urinary tract
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Male urinary tract


Urine - abnormal color

Alternative Names:
Discoloration of urine

Call your health care provider if:
  • There is clear, dark-brown urine, particularly if accompanied by pale stools and yellow skin and eyes.
  • There is pink, red, or smoky-brown urine, and the color change was not expected (due to a medication).
  • Abnormal urine color is persistent and unexplained or accompanied by other unexplained symptoms.


What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting abnormal urine color in detail may include:

  • Time pattern
    • When did this begin?
    • Did this begin suddenly?
  • Quality
    • Is there any pain associated with urination?
    • What color is the urine?
    • Is it consistently the same color throughout the day?
    • Is the quantity of urine per day decreased? Increased?
    • Is any blood visible?
    • Is there an odor?
  • Aggravating factors
    • Are medications being taken that could cause this change in color?
    • Have foods been eaten that could account for this change in color (such as colored candy, beets, berries, rhubarb)?
  • Relieving factors:
    • Does a change in diet change the color of the urine?
    • Does a change in medication change the color of the urine? (Note: NEVER change medications without first consulting your health care provider.)
  • Other
    • What other symptoms are also present?
    • Has there been a decreased fluid intake or decreased thirst?
    • Has there been a decreased appetite?
    • What medications are being taken?
    • Have there been any previous urinary problems or kidney problems?
    • Are there any allergies?

A history will be obtained and a physical examination performed (possibly including a rectal or pelvic exam). Take a clean catch urine sample to your health care provider's office.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:




Review Date: 10/20/2005
Reviewed By: David R. Knowles, M.D., Advanced Urologic Surgeons, Mt. Vernon, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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