Effect of protein on titrimetry of bicarbonate, titratable acid, and ammonium in urine.

Measurement of bicarbonate, titratable acid (HTA+) and ammonium in the urine can facilitate clinical evaluation of acid-base status. Sequential measurement of these three components by titrimetric techniques is well established, but possible interference by proteinuria has not been examined. We report the influence on these analyses of albumin and globulin, two proteins commonly observed in urine in renal disease states. The presence of these proteins in urine affects the measurement of NH4+, and to a less extent that of HTA+. The magnitude of the effect depends on the concentration and the kind of protein present. Proteins do not influence the measurement of HCO3-.