Is clear pee in a UA test a problem?

2022-01-04T16:52:24-05:00

Observer didn’t notice any abnormal activities or adulteration in the sample collection process. UPL says the sample looks almost as clear as water, but the bottle feels warm. Can you report a suspect of adulteration to the CDR? Is a clear pee normal?

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Jan 4 at 2022 5:57 PM

2022-01-04T17:57:29-05:00

Clear White Pee like normal tap water is not 'Normal'. Pluss urine has a smell, maybe faint to you but to others it is distinctive.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2022 6:08 PM

2022-01-04T18:08:06-05:00

I'm sure they will know it's legit or not.

Clear(ish) is best in terms of "hydration". What is "clear"? The bottle itself is transparent, it's not perfectly lab beaker clear.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2022 7:15 PM

2022-01-04T19:15:10-05:00

Clear urine...as in it looks like water...is a problem to a small extent. What this means is that you are overhydrated and that the testing machine/equipment might not get an accurate read of the sample. As long as the Observer remembered the 3 Fs and actually observed the collection...there shouldn't be a concern about suspicion or adulteration. But....a heads up to the Commander couldn't hurt. That person will probably win the "lottery" the next time a UA happens.

Response by LTC David Brown made Jan 4 at 2022 7:22 PM

2022-01-04T19:22:11-05:00

When I switched jobs we had to have a pee test. The first thing that happened was a thermometer was placed on the container. It it is suspicious they can always test it for contents you would expect in Urine

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2022 8:09 AM

2022-01-05T08:09:06-05:00

I do the UPL testing for my unit. They key is temp and ensuring that the collection was observed properly. Documentation is critical in this type situation. If you have a soldier that is well or over hydrated, and they provide 30ml as required, whether or not it is clear or slightly clear, it will still be acceptable. There will still be something to test, trust me.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2022 8:15 AM

2022-01-05T08:15:30-05:00

over 20 years, i only went the first time like twice. So i always well over hydrated, a couple times to dangerous levels. But at a certain point the kidneys do stop processing fluid and pass it directly to the bladder resulting in clear urine

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 6 at 2022 9:36 AM

2022-01-06T09:36:45-05:00

Sounds like they spent the last few hours chugging water.
If there's adulteration, the lab will pick it up. Make a note on your ledger, feel free to alert the commander of your suspicions, but now that you've collected the sample, it MUST be shipped for processing/testing.
Throwing away a sample is a good way to make E-4 all over again.