Renal Research

BSC 2086C (HUM AN & PHY II)-239895

Unit 3 Lab # 4

Renal Lab

George E. Mills

Groton, CT. 06340

10/20/2006

Abstract

This experiment examined the effect of liquid intake and dynamic exercises on a subject's urine output, color, and osmolarity. The test was used to determine the amount of changes incurred during a period of three days. One subject was used in the conduct of this procedure. At the beginning of each testing day, a baseline sample of urine was collected to compare against future samples. Subjects ingested two different types of liquid and exercised under supervision to obtain observations. Results showed that with liquid intake increases and dynamic exercise, there would be a change in urine volume, color, and osmolarity. During the occurrence of dynamic exercise, the subject showed signs of dehydration, due to length and amount of exercise. These results show with proper liquid intake, the body can rehydrate itself.

Introduction

The kidneys are the most important regulator in the body. The kidneys maintain water and solute balance, and remove metabolic waste products from the blood. The function of fluid regulation accomplished by the kidneys is conducted in three ways, glomerular filtration, tubular secretion, and tubular reabsorption. Blood is filtered through the glomerular capillary into the Bowman space allowing blood plasma to get through, but not proteins. Secretion is another filtration process, which allows for the excretion of materials at a higher rate than can be filtered. The body then prevents loss of critical substances by reabsorption, or movement of substances back into the capillaries. Procedures utilizing the test, urinalysis is the best method of detection of renal failure.

Urinalysis is the tool used for assessing the renal functions of the body. One of the major results of urinalysis is osmolarity, which is defined as the total solute concentration of a fluid. Other results of urinalysis are protein, creatinine, glucose, and sodium levels. Color is also used as an indicator of renal function. In reference to urine, osmolarity depends on individual's intake of water and solutes. However, various changes introduced into the body can cause a shift in osmolarity of urine.

The purpose of this experiment is to determine if an individual's dynamic activity and intake of water and solute substances causes changes in urine color, amount, and osmolarity characteristics. I hypothesize that certain urine characteristics will change with inclusion of dynamic activity, and substance intake.

Materials and Methods

Materials Used

Several household items were used in the conduct of this lab. They are as follows:

1. Three (3) pairs of latex cleaning gloves.

2. Standard measuring cup (two (2) cup capacity.

3. Ten (10) Dixie cups (approximately one (1) cup capacity).

4. One (1) bottle of Mr Clean household cleaner.

Also, consumable items were used in the conduct of this lab. They are as follows:

1. One (1) liter bottle of Aquafina water.

2. One (1) liter bottle of Yellow Gatorade.

Procedures

1. Subject was instructed to urinate upon waking up from a night's sleep and abstain from further urination. Subject was also instructed to report to the study area at 0900.

2. Upon arrival of subject, the subject was instructed to not to intake any form of liquid in preparation of test.

3. Subject was instructed to wait one (1) hour.

4. At the conclusion of the waiting period, subject was given latex gloves and Dixie cups and instructed to urinate fully into cups provided. Ensuring to collect all urine. This sample was used as a baseline for further testing.

5. Subject returned two cups to administer and the following data was complied: Urine sample color and volume.

6. All but Ð... cup of the sample was discarded. Remaining sample was held back for future use.

7. Subject was instructed to drink one (1) liter of water within a 15 minute time period.

8. Subject was then instructed not to urinate for one (1) hour.

9. Sample was provided after one hour time period. Sample was collected as stated in step four above.

10. Subject returned two cups to administer and the following data was complied: Urine sample color and volume.

11. Subject was released and instructed to return next at 0900. Issued instructions as stated in steps one through three.

12. At the conclusion of the waiting period, subject was given latex gloves and Dixie cups and instructed to urinate fully into cups provided. Ensuring to collect all urine. This sample was used as a baseline for further testing.

13. Subject returned two cups to administer and the following data was complied: Urine sample color and volume.

14. All but Ð... cup of the sample was discarded. Remaining sample was held back for future use.

15. Subject was instructed to drink one (1) liter of Yellow Gatorade within a 15 minute time period.

16. Subject was then instructed not to urinate for one (1) hour.

17. Sample was provided after one hour time period. Sample was collected as stated in step four above.

18. Subject returned two cups to administer and the following data was complied: Urine sample color and volume.

19. Subject was released and instructed to return next at 0900. Issued instructions as stated in steps one through three.

20. At the conclusion of the waiting period, subject was given latex gloves