In the Urine Healthy individuals excrete a small amount of protein, mostly albumin, in the urine. Protein content may increase if the kidney is damaged from an infection or inflammation. A 24-hour urine collection is performed to measure the exact amount of protein in the urine. The color of urine is pale yellow due to the presence of the pigment urochrome. Urine color varies from almost colorless to dark orange depending on the dilution and concentration of the urine.
Color is affected by food colors, blood, chemicals, disease, and medications.
The normal odor of urine comes from acid in the urine. In diabetics, urine may have a fruity odor due to the presence of excessive glucose. Normally, glucose in the blood is filtered through the kidneys and returned to the blood stream. When the blood level of glucose is elevated, as in diabetes, the excessive glucose appears in the urine. The patient can measure glucose in the urine at home with a disposable plastic dip stick.