Question
Which of the samples of urine indicated kidney disease?
Experimental Design
This experiment aims at investigating the indications of kidney diseases using urine samples. This is by using Biuret reagents to identify proteins and Benedict’s solution to identify sugars in urine samples. Litmus papers were also used in the determination of the pH level of the urine samples.
Materials
The materials used in the experiment were:
- Safety goggles
- Eight test tubes
- Hot water bath
- Four urine samples labeled W, X, Y, and Z
- Tape and pen/pencil
- Biuret reagent
- Droppers
- Benedict’s solution
- Litmus paper/pH paper
Procedure
Observations
The observations that were made after Benedict’s solution was added to the urine samples W, X, Y and Z and the corresponding approximation of the percentage of sugar content were as shown in Table 1.
The observations that were made after Biuret reagent was added to the urine samples W, X, Y and Z were as shown in Table 2.
The observations for the pH determination were as recorded in Table 3.
Analysis
The samples that indicated diabetes mellitus were those that gave positive results for protein and/or sugar tests. These are samples X and Y. The appearance of glucose and proteins in the urine results from the leaking of these substances from the damaged kidney. The amount of protein in the urine increases as kidney function declines. Patient Z did not have diabetes and thus no protein or sugar was detected in the urine. In diabetes insipidus, there is no presence of glucose in urine. Dilute urine is usually the indication for diabetes insipidus. Sample Y had dilute urine, which is an indication of diabetes insipidus.
Bright's disease is another kidney disorder that is caused by the presence of protein in urine. The sample that had protein in the urine is sample W and is thus concluded to be the one with Bright’s disease. Urine that is either clear or pale yellow in color indicates that the body has enough water. Dark colors are indications of dehydration in the body (Holm). Urine sample Z had a dark color and may be an indication of tremendous loss of water as a result of exercise.
Diabetes insipidus is treated aiming at preventing or delaying disease progression to kidney failure and in reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases developing. Other measures include blood glucose and pressure management and use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and antagonists (Kenny). Diabetes mellitus is not treatable but is usually managed. The management of diabetes mellitus works on keeping the level of sugar in the blood as close to normal as possible avoiding hypoglycemia. This is usually done through exercise, diet, and by using medications such as insulin. The reason why Bright’s disease is hard to treat is due to the fact that it has no defined cause.
Evaluation
The experiment successfully enabled answering the research questions that were raised. Some errors were observed where sample Y did not give positive results for protein determination. This may have been as a result of the solution having stayed long after collecting the protein may have expired, or the protein content may have been diluted due to the disease condition. To improve the results, it is important that the tests be done immediate after collecting the samples or keeping them in conditions that will preserve their content.
Works Cited
Holm, Paige. Water and Hydration. 2012. Online. 22 June 2013. <http://www.health.arizona.edu/health_topics/nutrition/general/waterhydration.htm>.
Kenny, Tim. Diabetic Kidney Disease. 2013. Online. 22 June 2013. <http://www.patient.co.uk/health/diabetic-kidney-disease>.
