In this case, the pH may become more alkaline, perhaps above 8.0, if the bacteria in the sample are proliferating during the extended room-temperature wait time.

A urine specimen was collected at 6:00 a.m. and remained at room temperature until it was received in the laboratory at 3:30 p.m. How may the pH of the specimen be affected by the extended time at room temperature if bacteria are present in the specimen?