What is the Difference Between Amorphous Urate and Phosphate?

The main differences between amorphous urate and phosphate are their appearance, solubility, and the pH of the urine in which they are found. Here are the key differences:

• Appearance: Amorphous urates appear as dark or yellow-red granules, while phosphates are white or colorless.
• pH: The pH of the urine determines the type of amorphous crystals present. Amorphous urates are found in acidic urine, while phosphates are found in alkaline urine.
• Solubility: Amorphous phosphate is soluble in acetic acid, while amorphous urates are insoluble in acetic acid. However, by acidification, amorphous urates can convert to uric acid.
• Precipitate: The precipitate of phosphate is white, while the precipitate of amorphous urate is pink, also known as brick dust.

In summary, amorphous urates and phosphates are found in urine, with urates appearing in dark or yellow-red granules and phosphates being white or colorless. The pH of the urine determines their presence, and their solubility differs as well.

Comparative Table: Amorphous Urate vs Phosphate

Here is a table comparing the differences between amorphous urate and phosphate:

Amorphous urate is a component found in acidic urine and appears as dark or yellow-red granules. It is formed when urine is cooled after collection. Amorphous phosphate, on the other hand, appears in alkaline urine as a white granular precipitate containing calcium and phosphate. To dissolve amorphous urate, an alkali solution such as 2% ammonia is required, while amorphous phosphate can be dissolved using 2% acetic acid.