The IHCPT recommend that the core tests should include an assessment of urine
appearance (colour and turbidity), volume, specific gravity or osmolality, pH and either
the quantitative or semi-quantitative determination of total protein and glucose.
Microscopic urine sediment examination and urinary mineral and electrolyte excretion
are not considered to be very useful as routine screening tests. These recommendations
are similar to those of the OECD Shadow Toxicology Group with the proviso that they
consider the ‘dipstick’ method of limited value, especially in rodents, since many low
molecular weight proteins are less well detected. Additional tests, such as the
measurements of urinary enzymes of renal origin, with the appropriate frequency of urine
collection, may also be necessary for evaluating test compounds suspected of causing
renal toxicity (Stonard, 1990; Chapter 7, Nephrotoxicity).