Urine analysis by laser Raman spectroscopy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We examine the use of Raman spectroscopy to analyze components in human urine. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Targeted urine components include urea, uric acid, and creatinine. RESULTS: Urea concentration in urine is sufficiently high that normal Raman spectroscopy may be used for its analysis. All other components are in low concentrations requiring the use of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic methods (SERS). CONCLUSIONS: Both normal Raman and SERS approaches have been investigated for total urine-nitrogen determination, urine urea-nitrogen determination, and for the urea/creatinine excretion ratio.