Final answer:
Normal urine has a pH range from 4.6 to 8, a specific gravity of 1.010 to 1.025, no protein, and 0 to 4 white blood cells. The presence of red blood cells over 2 and casts are abnormal.
Step-by-step explanation:
Normal Characteristics of Urine
The characteristics of normal urine include a pH range from 4.6 to 8, signifying the various diets and conditions affecting the urine's acidity or alkalinity. The specific gravity of urine typically falls between 1.010 to 1.025, indicating the kidney's ability to concentrate or dilute the urine in response to body hydration levels. Normally, urine should not contain protein (protein absent), as its presence can indicate a kidney disorder. The count of white blood cells should range from 0 to 4, as higher counts could suggest an infection or inflammation. However, red blood cells above a count of 2 and the presence of casts are abnormal and could indicate renal pathology or other urinary tract issues.